LASIK - Some Wounds Never Heal
This is going right up front so there is no misunderstanding:
1. I do not think LASIK is bad surgery.
2. I do not think every patient is a good candidate for LASIK.
3. I do not think every patient fully understands what happens during LASIK.
Regarding that third point, many LASIK patients are surprised to learn (months, years following LASIK) that their LASIK flap never heals. That's right! That slender layer of superficial cornea never forms a scar to bind it to the remaining cornea.
The LASIK flap is necessary in order to expose the deeper corneal layers to the laser energy that reverses the refractive power of the eye. But there's a catch - that flap never heals after it is gently repositioned. Because there is no scarring the LASIK surgeon can retreat the eye if more laser is needed. Lots of accidental injuries can also lift that flap: shrubbery, children's fingers, spray from water skiing, eye-pokes from sports competition, etc. LASIK flap trauma can cause the flap to completely come off the eye...bad news!
This information is not intended to frighten anyone away from LASIK - just be sure you know all of the potential risks of complications. After LASIK be sure to always wear quality protective eyewear whenever you are involved in any activity that might jeopardize those precious LASIK flaps. Whether operating a weed whacker or water skiing be sure to take the necessary precautions in order that you can continue to enjoy crisp eyesight.
Related Topics: Discount laser centers, LASIK for children
1. I do not think LASIK is bad surgery.
2. I do not think every patient is a good candidate for LASIK.
3. I do not think every patient fully understands what happens during LASIK.
Regarding that third point, many LASIK patients are surprised to learn (months, years following LASIK) that their LASIK flap never heals. That's right! That slender layer of superficial cornea never forms a scar to bind it to the remaining cornea.
The LASIK flap is necessary in order to expose the deeper corneal layers to the laser energy that reverses the refractive power of the eye. But there's a catch - that flap never heals after it is gently repositioned. Because there is no scarring the LASIK surgeon can retreat the eye if more laser is needed. Lots of accidental injuries can also lift that flap: shrubbery, children's fingers, spray from water skiing, eye-pokes from sports competition, etc. LASIK flap trauma can cause the flap to completely come off the eye...bad news!
This information is not intended to frighten anyone away from LASIK - just be sure you know all of the potential risks of complications. After LASIK be sure to always wear quality protective eyewear whenever you are involved in any activity that might jeopardize those precious LASIK flaps. Whether operating a weed whacker or water skiing be sure to take the necessary precautions in order that you can continue to enjoy crisp eyesight.
Related Topics: Discount laser centers, LASIK for children
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7 Comments:
To what extent (maybe percentage wise) would you say that the flap does heal? I thought I remember my doctor telling me it would take 6-9 months to heal, but maybe he meant 50% healed?
Dear Bill,
I think your articles on WebMD are very well done.
I was the ophthalmic ultrasound person at UTHSA when you were in the military in San Antonio. Your enthusiasm and knowledge continue to be apparent and appreciated.
Barry Byrne
what about all those athletes that endorse lasik, like tiki barber and bernie williams? they play contact sports without special eye protection.
Lasik is known for the long healing period and in some cases it might need another surgery for a 20-20 vision.
This is exactly what I needed to know. I have a history of slow and problematic healing of both surgical and non-surgical wounds. Although I am not a diabetic, doctors often think I heal like one. Therefore, I've thougth that Lasik could be too risky for me. Thanks for confirming this.
I recently had Lasik surgery on both of my eyes. After the surgery, I noticed that alot of the blood vessels in both eyes had burst leaving my eyes very bloodshot. After two weeks, my eyes are still very bloodshot. When I went for a one-week follow-up visit, the doctor told me that my blood vessles burst because my eyes are small. It seems as though my bloodshot eyes are going to stay that way. Do I have anything to worry about, or will the bloodshot look go away over time?
Does anyone know if I go see a doctor if he could look into my eyes and tell that i had Lasik performed 5 years ago?
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