LASIK Educational Material
Laser Eye Surgery in Denver, Colorado
LASIK Risks and Complications - Part One
Intra-operativePart Two (on a new page)
Post-operativePart Three (on a new page)
Over-correction, Under-correction or RegressionNight or dim-light vision complications
While the overwhelming majority of patients are very pleased with the results of their refractive surgery, it is important for you to review potential risks and complications.
Here are three very good sources:
First: Read over the information provided on this site. We have done our best to make it as complete as possible.
Second: Discuss this information with Dr. Cutarelli so that it can be put in the context of your individual case.
Third: Review actual studies of risks related to laser eye surgery. Many are already included on our site.
Be sure to base your decision to have laser vision correction upon your own personal value system; avoid being influenced by friends that have had the procedure or encouraging sales personnel.
Potential complications can be divided into two distinct categories:
· Intra-operative - occurring during the procedureIntra-operative refers to surgical complications that occur during the procedure itself
· Post-operative - occurring during the healing phase
Microkeratome-related
Potential intra-operative problems with LASIK typically involve
the flap, and these
issues are usually related to the mechanical devices and steel blades (similar
to a carpenter's plane using a razor blade), called
microkeratomes. Until recently, microkeratomes been
the
only
way to create the flap.
At Cutarelli Vision, our LASIK procedures do NOT include the use microkeratomes, so any related risk factors involved are ZERO.
With the advent of the Intralase all-laser LASIK procedure, the previously associated risks have been virtually eliminated. LASIK now utilizes the Intralase machine to create the flap with a special cold laser. This laser was created especially for this purpose and is separate from the excimer laser (that will be used to reshape the cornea with ablation). Intralase technology results in a safer and more precise procedure as compared to the older steel bladed technology.
Some doctors have been known to offer Intralase as a more expensive option, thus allowing the patient to opt for older technology in order to cut expenses. However, Dr. Cutarelli feels that the safety and precision of Intralase are vital and he does not offer outdated options; he will only do what is best for his patients.
Similarly, Dr. Cutarelli uses Wavefront technology on all LASIK approved candidates, because this gives the best potential of visual success.
Excimer laser ablation-related
As excimer laser technology and the surgical technique have been refined and
advanced to include Wavefront guidance systems, complications are rarely seen
today. Of the clinical studies submitted to the US FDA for approval of modern
excimer laser systems, none reported decentered ablations or central islands.
Continue to: Risks, Part 2
