Laser eye surgery has transformed the lives of millions of people around the world. Whether it’s to reduce dependency on glasses or contact lenses, or to enjoy the freedom of clearer vision, treatments like LASIK procedure, PRK, and other laser assisted techniques have offered a life changing option. But it’s normal to wonder: can laser eye surgery go wrong?
The good news is that, for the vast majority of people, laser eye surgery is an effective procedure with positive outcomes. In this article, we’ll explore the facts so you can feel informed, reassured, and confident about your next steps.
Understanding Laser Eye Surgery
Laser vision correction is a group of eye procedures that reshape the corneal tissue at the front of the eye to correct vision problems such as short sightedness, long sightedness, and astigmatism. The goal is to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses.
How Does It Work?
In most cases, an eye surgeon uses a specific laser to reshape the cornea, the clear dome at the front of your eye, to allow light to focus more accurately on the retina. This improves how well you can see without corrective lenses. Techniques include:
- LASIK Eye Surgery: Involves creating a corneal flap and reshaping the underlying tissue.
- PRK Surgery: Reshapes the surface of the cornea directly, often used for people with thinner corneas.
- Refractive Lens Exchange: Involves replacing the eye’s natural lens with an artificial one.
Each method offers its own benefits, depending on your refractive errors, eye shape, and overall eye health.
Is Laser Eye Surgery Safe?
Honest answer: It can be, but not entirely.
No surgical procedure is completely without risk, and laser eye surgery is no exception. However, you should be able to experience positive, lasting results under the right circumstances.
What Are The Common Complications?
Here are some laser eye surgery risks that may occur, especially during the healing process:
- Dry eyes and reduced tear production
- Blurred vision or double vision
- Increased sensitivity to bright lights
- Temporary vision problems, including glare or halos
- Overcorrection or undercorrection of refractive errors
Who Is At Higher Risk Of Complications?
Not everyone is an ideal candidate for laser eye surgery, and knowing this early can help avoid unnecessary issues.
Higher risk groups may include:
- People with thin corneas
- Those with active eye diseases
- Individuals with autoimmune conditions
- People with a history of corneal infections
- Anyone with severe dry eyes
- Those who have unstable prescriptions or myopic regression
Your eye doctor will assess whether you are a suitable candidate through a series of tests and scans. This ensures that your eyes are healthy enough for refractive surgery.
What Happens If Something Goes Wrong?
Even when things don’t go perfectly, laser eye surgery complications are mostly manageable. Here’s how they are typically managed:
1. Dry Eyes
Artificial tears and prescription eye drops can help alleviate symptoms. This is one of the most common side effects and usually improves over a few weeks.
2. Vision Fluctuations
Some laser eye surgery patients may experience blurry or hazy vision for a short period. These symptoms usually resolve as the eyes heal.
3. Undercorrection Or Overcorrection
In some cases, further treatment or an enhancement procedure may be recommended to fine tune results after the initial surgery.
4. Infection
A serious complication, often managed with antibiotic eye drops. With proper aftercare, eye infections are highly preventable.
5. Corneal Flap Issues (LASIK Treatment)
Occasionally, the LASIK flap may shift or heal improperly. An experienced surgeon will guide you through follow up visits to monitor this.
Why Most Patients Do Just Fine
If you’re feeling a little nervous about laser eye surgery, you’re not alone, and that’s completely normal. But the good news is that many patients experience smooth recoveries and excellent outcomes. Let’s explore why.
1. Clinical Outcomes Are Encouraging
Large scale studies and systematic reviews consistently show that laser eye surgery has high success rates. Patients can achieve clearer vision and report high satisfaction after treatment.
2. Recovery Is Generally Smooth
The healing process is typically straightforward. Many patients return to daily activities within 24 to 48 hours, and minor side effects like dryness or light sensitivity often improve quickly with rest and eye drops.
3. Side Effects Are Usually Temporary
Some patients notice mild glare, dryness, or blurred vision during the first few weeks. These effects are usually temporary and can be managed with artificial tears and proper follow up care.
4. Technology Keeps Getting Better
With ongoing improvements in laser precision and customisation, outcomes are better than ever. Today’s techniques allow eye surgeons to tailor treatments to specific needs, helping patients achieve the best possible results.
Long Term Outcomes When Done Right
One of the most exciting parts of laser treatment is how long-lasting the results can be, especially when the procedure is done carefully and by the right hands. Here’s what long term success often looks like.
1. Improved Vision And Freedom
You should experience improved vision and a significant reduction in reliance on contact lenses or glasses. The outcome often remains stable for years, though natural changes to vision can still occur over time.
2. Rare Long Term Issues
You may develop rare conditions like corneal ectasia (a thinning of the cornea), particularly if the initial screening wasn’t thorough. This is why working with a skilled surgeon is so important.
Why Choosing An Experienced Surgeon Matters
An experienced surgeon knows how to assess your eyes, recommend the right procedure, and manage potential risks. Their attention to detail can significantly influence your clinical outcomes.
Questions to ask your surgeon include:
- How many procedures have you performed?
- What technology do you use?
- What happens if I’m not happy with the results?
- Do you offer follow up appointments?
Choosing the right professional is one of the most important steps towards a successful outcome.
Additional Factors That Impact Results
Achieving the best possible results from laser eye surgery isn’t just about the technology, it’s also about you. Here are some of the key factors your eye doctor will consider before recommending treatment.
1. Overall Health Matters
Your general health can influence how your body and eyes respond to surgery. Conditions like diabetes, autoimmune diseases, or thyroid issues may affect the healing process or increase the risk of complications. This is why your surgeon will take a thorough medical history before proceeding.
2. Hormonal Changes And Pregnancy
If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, laser eye surgery is typically delayed until after your hormones stabilise. Hormonal shifts can temporarily affect your vision and tear production, which may impact both the procedure and the healing phase.
3. Medications And Supplements
Some prescription medications or supplements may interfere with healing or affect your eyes’ moisture levels. For example, certain acne medications or steroids can influence how your corneal tissue reacts to surgery. Be sure to provide a full list of everything you’re taking during your consultation.
4. Age And Eye Maturity
Laser eye surgery is generally recommended for patients over 18 years old once the eyes have fully matured and vision has remained stable for at least a year. Performing surgery before vision stabilises may increase the chances of needing further treatment later.
5. Pre Existing Eye Conditions
Conditions like dry eyes, keratoconus, or cataracts may impact your suitability for surgery or influence the choice of procedure. Your surgeon will examine your corneal thickness, shape, and tear film quality to decide what’s most effective for you.
6. Previous Eye Surgeries Or Trauma
If you’ve had past eye surgeries, injuries, or infections, it’s essential to disclose this during your consultation. Previous trauma can affect your corneal tissue or eye structure and may change what type of laser eye surgery is appropriate.
7. Lifestyle And Vision Goals
Are you someone who loves sports or works in dusty environments? Do you spend long hours in front of screens? Your daily habits can also impact your choice of surgery. For example, PRK may be better for certain athletes, while LASIK surgery could be ideal for those seeking faster recovery.
8. Realistic Expectations
It is important to understand what laser eye surgery can and can’t do. While patients can achieve clear, comfortable vision, results can vary. Setting realistic expectations and openly discussing your goals with your surgeon helps ensure a positive experience.
The Emotional Side Of Laser Eye Surgery
It’s perfectly natural to feel a bit nervous about undergoing laser eye surgery. After all, your vision is precious, and entrusting it to someone else can bring up a mix of emotions. But rest assured, you’re not alone; many patients feel exactly the same way.
Let’s explore some common emotional reactions and how to manage them.
1. It’s Okay To Feel Nervous
Feeling a bit apprehensive is completely normal. You’re about to undergo a procedure that will impact something as important as your vision. It’s a big decision, and it’s only natural to feel a sense of nervousness or uncertainty. However, remember that feeling nervous doesn’t mean you’re not ready, it’s simply part of the process. Many patients feel more at ease after speaking openly with their eye doctor.
2. Taking Control Through Information
The more informed you are, the more empowered you’ll feel. Understanding the procedure, knowing the risks, and being clear on what to expect can help you gain confidence as you move forward. When you choose a skilled and experienced team, you’ll feel reassured knowing you’re in expert hands. With proper preparation, you should find the whole experience more exciting than nerve wracking, as you look forward to the possibility of life without glasses or contact lenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I go blind from laser eye surgery?
Vision loss is an extremely rare complication. Most issues that do occur are manageable.
2. Does laser eye surgery hurt?
Laser eye procedures use numbing eye drops so you won’t feel much pain during the treatment. You may experience some pressure or mild discomfort.
3. Will I still need glasses later?
Possibly. While you should enjoy corrected vision for years, ageing eyes or conditions like presbyopia may require further treatment or reading glasses later in life.
Conclusion
So, can laser eye surgery go wrong? Technically, yes, as with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks. But for many people, the journey is smooth, the results are impressive, and the healing process is well-managed.
The key is preparation, choosing an experienced surgeon, following aftercare advice, and having realistic expectations. Whether you’re looking to ditch your glasses or contact lenses, simplify your life, or just enjoy the convenience of improved vision, laser eye surgery can be a rewarding step forward.
If you’re ready to explore whether laser eye surgery in Melbourne is right for you, contact Dr Anton Van Heerden at 03 9000 0389. You’re not just investing in clearer sight but in freedom, confidence, and quality of life.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Sources
Bedinghaus, T. (2023) Who Should Not Have Laser Eye Surgery? In Verywell Health. Available at: https://www.verywellhealth.com/should-you-have-lasik-3421961 (accessed 14 April 2025).
Gilevska, F., Bohač, M., Suić, S. Popović, et al. (2022) When LASIK Goes Wrong or LASIK Complications Dilemmas. In IntechOpen. DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.107924.
Healthdirect Australia (2024) Laser Eye Surgery. In Healthdirect. Available at: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/laser-eye-surgery (accessed 14 April 2025).
Sharma, N., Sahay, P., Bafna, R. Kumar, et al. (2021) Complications of laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis. Indian Journal of Ophthalmology, 69, 1658–1669. DOI: 10.4103/ijo.ijo_1872_20.
Wirth, J. (2024) LASIK Success Rates: How Safe Is Eye Surgery In 2025? In Forbes Health. Available at: https://www.forbes.com/health/eye-health/lasik-success-rates/ (accessed 14 April 2025).
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