How Safe is Laser Eye Surgery?

How safe is laser eye surgery? Patients often want to know the risks associated with laser eye surgery before having the procedure. Laser eye surgery is extremely safe. As with any surgical procedure, there are some risks involved. However, these ricks can be minimised or eliminated entirely. Finding an expert laser eye surgeon with many years of experience is important. Laser eye surgery is a simple and highly effective treatment that is extremely safe. It is estimated that over 40 million people worldwide have had laser eye surgery.

Eye Examination

Before having the surgery, all patients will undergo an extensive eye examination that can last up to two hours. This examination will ensure that the patient is suitable for laser eye surgery. Approximately 10% of people are found to be unsuitable for laser eye surgery. It is important that the initial eye exam, as well as the laser surgery itself, is carried out by an ophthalmic surgeon. This is a medical doctor with many additional years of training and experience. It should be the same person who is to carry out your surgery. As one size never fits all, a thorough assessment of your eyes will be carried out, and only then will your consultant ophthalmic surgeon recommend a treatment. You should never be seeing your surgeon for the first time right before your surgery.

 The Surgery

The laser surgery itself lasts less than one-minute and from entering the surgery to completion of both eyes your procedure will likely last no more than twenty minutes.  Before the surgery, the surgeon will check your eyes for a final time. The wavefront technology used allows the surgeon to measure aberrations in your cornea’s shape and texture. The surgeon can then customise the lasers so that they are tailored to your eyes. This will reduce side effects associated with traditional laser eye surgery. Once surgery is complete your surgeon will conduct a final check on your eyes and confirm that he is happy for you to leave the clinic.

After the Surgery

Patients may experience blurry vision immediately after the surgery, and this blurred vision lasts 3-4 hours. After laser eye surgery, it is common for patients to feel a slight itching or in a few cases a burning sensation in your eyes, but this feeling should go away very quickly. Any discomfort you may feel will not last more than a day or two and you should be enjoying improved vision very quickly. All of this should be clearly explained to you by your surgeon before you come to the clinic for your laser eye surgery so that you feel as relaxed and informed on the day.

Health Conditions that Increase Risk

There are certain health conditions that can increase the risks associated with laser eye surgery or make the outcome less predictable. You may not be a suitable candidate for laser eye surgery if you have any of the following conditions:

• Recent changes in vision. These changes can be caused by medications, pregnancy, or aging.
• Autoimmune diseases, for example rheumatoid arthritis
• A weak immune system. This can be caused by certain medications.
• Inflammation of the cornea, eye injuries or diseases. These include glaucoma or cataracts.

 These will be all taken into consideration at your initial eye exam. If you have one or more of these conditions, you may still be suitable for laser eye surgery. The laser eye surgeon will determine take these conditions into account and determine your suitability. Laser eye surgery is a safe medical procedure and can be life changing for patients.

If you are unsure about the procedure or have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us by calling now on 01-280 9248.

We also offer a complimentary video or phone consultation with Mr Fenton, our senior laser eye surgeon. During this consultation you can ask him any questions you may have, about suitability, risks, outcomes, or discuss any concerns you may have about laser eye surgery.

Fill in the form on the footer of this page and we will call you back to arrange a convenient time or use our Self-Service Booking System to schedule your complimentary consultation.