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LASIK:
Risks and Benefits
Risks
Most patients
are very pleased with the results of their refractive surgery. However,
like any other medical procedure, there are risks involved. That's
why it is important for you to understand the limitations and possible
complications of refractive surgery.
Before undergoing
a refractive procedure, you should carefully weigh the risks and
benefits based on your own personal value system, and try to avoid
being influenced by friends that have had the procedure or doctors
encouraging you to do so.
As with any
surgical procedure, there are risks associated with LASIK. Approximately
5% of patients in Beverly Hills / Los Angeles will experience some
kind of complication. The following is a list of possible risks:
- You may be undertreated or overtreated.
- Results
are generally not as good in patients with very small amounts
of astigmatism or very large refractive errors of any type.
- Results
may not be lasting.
- Some patients
lose vision.
- Some patients
may develop severe dry eye syndrome.
It is important
to remember that patients in their 40s or older suffer from presbyopia
and will still need reading glasses.
Benefits
In spite of
the risks associated with LASIK, there are several advantages to
having the procedure done:
- Glasses or contact lenses will be unnecessary
- Any discomfort with contact lenses will be eliminated
- Quality of vision is usually better than that
achieved with glasses or contact lenses
- As most patients achieve 20/40 vision or better,
you will be able to pass a driver's test without wearing glasses
or contact lenses
What
is LASIK?
Frequently
Asked Questions about LASIK
Benefits and Risk of LASIK
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