complications, whereas Lasik has the potential for other complications because of the need to create a corneal flap.

Enhancements
A few patients will need a "touch-up" or enhancement procedure with the laser. If needed, these are done at least three months after the original treatment. People heal differently, and we know that some patients will not achieve the exact desired result with one treatment. Enhancements should not be considered a "risk" or complication, because they are an expected part of the overall treatment plan for some patients. In general, about 5-10% of patients will need an enhancement, but the odds for each individual vary with the extent of the original treatment. Those with the stronger corrections will be more likely to need an enhancement.

Regression
Sometimes, the result may be excellent in the first few weeks after surgery, but the cornea may "drift" back to its original shape. This is more of a problem with PRK. If recognized early, the tendency to regress may be prevented by using topical medications (eyedrops), but if a significant unsatisfactory regression takes place, a second procedure may need to be done some months later.

Infection
This is probably the greatest risk in the first 24-72 hours after surgery. You will be given antibiotic eye drops to try to prevent this complication. Incidence of serious infection: 1 in 1000 for PRK, 1 in 5000 for Lasik

Haze
Haze is the result of overproduction of the protein collagen during the healing period. This excessive scarring produces a haze to the cornea that is not noticeable to the patient unless severe. It can almost always be controlled by using steroid eyedrops. Incidence of haze: 1 in 100 for PRK, 1 in 1000 for Lasik

Glares, Haloes, Starburst
Even without having refractive surgery, many patients notice poor night vision, haloes around lights, starburst effect around lights, or glare when wearing their glasses or contacts. These phenomena may be more noticeable in the first few months after refractive surgery, but after six months it would be rare for them to be any worse than they were before surgery. These phenomena are more common and more severe in those patients with large pupils or more severe preoperative refractive errors.

Post-treatment Discomfort
You will have minimal discomfort during the procedure, if any. Most patients having PRK will have some pain for three days or so after the procedure. Patients having Lasik can expect some watering of the eyes the day of surgery, and some irritation for a day or two following the procedure. Most of these symptoms can be controlled using eyedrops or oral pain medication.

Flap Complications
In Lasik, a partial thickness layer of the cornea is created with a fine instrument called a microkeratome. The flap is not entirely removed from the cornea, but remains hinged at one side so it can be easily and accurately repositioned after the laser photoablation. It is possible that during the creation of the flap, a problem may occur that would prevent the procedure from going forward, and the surgeon may have to simply replace the flap without doing the laser procedure. It is also possible to accidentally create a free flap, without a hinge. The free flap can be repositioned on the eye. Postoperative flap problems can occur, including growth of the epithelium under the flap, dislocation of the flap, wrinkling of the flap, and others. The incidence of flap problems serious enough to prevent recovery of pre-operative best vision is 1 in 500.

More Information
This is not an exhaustive list of complications, and more detail will be available for those patients who seek further consultation. If you have additional questions about the potential risks of Lasik surgery please contact us.