Risks of Laser Eye Surgery: Femto LASIK and TransPRK

Laser eye surgery is a safe method for long-term correction of vision problems. However, like any medical procedure, it carries some risks and may have side effects.

The most common side effects include:

• Dry Eyes: Many patients notice that their eyes feel drier after refractive laser surgery, experience reduced tear production, and need to use artificial tears more regularly to soothe their eyes. This issue usually resolves within a few weeks to months.

• Increased Light Sensitivity: Following laser treatment, increased light sensitivity, such as glare from oncoming headlights while driving at night, may occur. However, these symptoms are typically temporary.

• Foreign Body Sensation in the Eye: Mild discomfort and a sensation of having a grain of sand in the eye the day after treatment is one of the more common side effects of laser eye surgery. Artificial tears can help alleviate these symptoms, which usually subside within a short time.

• Fluctuating Vision: In the first days (or weeks in the case of Trans-PRK) after the procedure, vision may fluctuate temporarily until it stabilizes. Using prescribed eye drops can also cause temporary blurring or hazy vision.

• Red Eyes: Red spots may appear on the white part of the eye after the procedure, but these usually disappear within a few weeks to a few months. Additionally, redness may be accompanied by burning, tearing, or swelling of the eyes.

• Pain: Depending on the method used and individual pain tolerance, some patients may experience pain. This is especially true for Trans-PRK, which involves a longer healing process. Severe pain may occur during the first 5–7 days after the procedure as the corneal epithelium regenerates.

Other potential side effects that may rarely occur:

• Infection or Inflammation: As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection or inflammation of the eye, although this is rare. Adhering to hygiene measures and attending follow-up appointments is essential. Additionally, prescribed eye drops should be used according to the provided schedule to best prevent infections or inflammation. If left untreated with appropriate medications, an infection or inflammation could, in the worst case, lead to complete blindness.

• Flap Displacement (in LASIK): Although the femtosecond laser is highly precise, rare complications with the flap may occur, such as flap displacement or folds. This can happen, for example, due to improper eye rubbing. In such cases, additional treatment may be required to reposition the flap correctly.

• Residual Refractive Error: In some cases, the desired vision correction may not be fully achieved, requiring a follow-up treatment (possible only after six months and if medically approved).

• Regression Risk: In some cases, vision correction may deteriorate again after a few months or years. This is particularly relevant for individuals with pre-existing higher degrees of refractive errors. It is important to differentiate this from age-related presbyopia.

In most cases, the described risks and complications can be addressed with follow-up treatments or appropriate medications. A thorough pre-operative examination is essential to determine whether someone is a suitable candidate for laser eye surgery and to minimize these risks.