Some signs may be encountered after LASIK surgery

The article is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Hoang Thanh Nga - Ophthalmologist - Department of Medical Examination and Internal Medicine - Vinmec Ha Long International General Hospital.

Lasik nearsightedness surgery is a safe and highly effective method that helps to limit dependence on supportive solutions such as wearing glasses or contact lenses after surgery for a short time. However, a few cases will experience complications after LASIK surgery.

Although the method of lasik eye surgery is very safe and effective, it is not absolutely safe, any surgical method can have risks, Lasik surgery to treat myopia is a therapeutic effect. Correcting the curvature of the cornea to restore vision and vision for patients with refractive errors, so it will more or less temporarily affect the eyes. However, the signs after surgery for myopia will gradually improve, only a few cases encounter serious problems. Some complications after lasik surgery may include:
Difficulty opening eyes in the first days after surgery Lasik surgery time is very short, only about 10 to 15 minutes, after surgery the patient may appear bloated, eye discomfort and difficulty opening eyelids. Should use artificial tears to help the eyes open more easily, usually these signs will usually disappear quickly after a sleep.

Increased sensitivity to light Also a new manifestation of visual disturbances after surgery related to the treatment of refractive errors. Patients present signs at night such as glare, blurred vision, glare around the luminous position, double vision.
The cause of increased light sensitivity is due to the nature of Lasik surgery to treat myopia, which is to eliminate the most refraction from the center of the pupil and gradually reduce it to the edge. During the day, the pupil is constantly exposed to light, so it shrinks, so vision without glasses is very good and does not appear glare. However, in the dark, in order to adapt, the pupil will be dilated to reveal the edge of the optical region, where small myopia still exists, this makes in the dark the eye will see at the same time a clear image and blurred image. This overlap creates areas of aberration, which is the cause of blurring, glare, and sometimes seeing light sources in the dark.

The first time after eye surgery is not familiar, but after a period of about 3-6 months, the eyes will adapt and feel not too uncomfortable anymore.
Dry eye Dry eye after lasik surgery is said to be a common complication, the degree of dry eye in each person after surgery is different from mild to severe. Due to the effect of lasik surgery on the corneal surface, thereby reducing the sensitivity of the optic nerve, the lacrimal gland does not receive the signal to produce enough tears for lubrication. and maintain moisture on the corneal surface.
When dry eyes will cause eye irritation, increased inflammatory response and can leave scars on the corneal surface if not treated promptly. To overcome and limit dry eyes after surgery, artificial tears should be instilled for 3-6 months.

Subconjunctival hemorrhage After LASIK surgery to correct myopia, there are a few cases where the patient's eyes may have a hematoma under the conjunctiva, causing the whites to have red dots. This phenomenon can occur spontaneously or due to the patient's use of alcoholic beverages such as alcohol or smoking right after surgery. However, this only affects aesthetics, but will not affect the vision of the eyes. Usually within a few weeks to a month, the condition will gradually improve, the petechiae will gradually disappear. To avoid bleeding under the conjunctiva, patients should abstain from stimulant drinks for at least 3 to 5 days after surgery.

Displacement of corneal flap Lasik surgery consists of three steps: creating a corneal flap, laser projection, and finally putting the corneal flap back in place. Corneal flap deviation is a phenomenon where the corneal flap is separated from the rest of the cornea, this is a risk that can occur immediately after surgery if the eye is hit hard, even this risk can be occurs even after surgery for a long time if there is a strong impact on the eye area.
Deviation of the corneal flap can lead to an infection that causes redness, pain in the eyes, irritation to tears, blurred vision; Causes visual disturbances or possible temporary loss of vision...
Therefore, the patient should follow the instructions for eye care after surgery and make sure to wear protective eyewear, even while sleeping, during Within 3 days after surgery to avoid accidental eye contact, do not play strong sports that may affect the eye area.

Postoperative relapsing condition Postoperative relapsing status is not common, it may be due to a number of reasons such as surgery when the degree of nearsightedness is not stable, some abnormalities in eye anatomy, incorrect indications for lasik surgery. , care and living after surgery is not correct... Due to different reasons, some people after surgery for a while, appear nearsightedness.
Inability to see clearly after surgery In a small number of cases because during surgery the laser burns too little or too much on the corneal parenchyma, after surgery the eyes will not be able to see as clearly as expected, sometimes still have to use glasses after surgery.

Before surgery
It is recommended to visit and consult with a specialist before surgery to be assigned the most suitable surgery for your condition. Stop using contact lenses and eye makeup at least a few weeks before surgery. Choosing a reputable surgical site, because this technique requires an experienced and professional doctor, will minimize the risk of complications after LASIK surgery.

After surgery
Use drugs as prescribed and guided by the treating doctor. Protective glasses must be worn all day for at least 3 days after surgery. Avoid vigorous sports. Do not rub your eyes or get water in them for 1 month. Do not put detergents in the eyes, avoid showering because it increases the possibility of detergents such as shampoo, shower gel... getting into the eyes. There is a certain distance when using computers, televisions, and phones. Should not be used in the dark. Reasonable rest mode: Learn the habit of resting your eyes for a few minutes after about 1 hour of continuous activity, getting enough sleep from 7 to 8 hours a day. Supplementing with adequate nutrition, increasing the use of foods rich in vitamin A such as gac, oranges, pumpkins... It is necessary to periodically re-examine according to the instructions to monitor eye condition and have appropriate adjustment directions. best.

Above are some possible complications after lasik eye surgery. The rate of complications will be reduced if the instructions of medical staff are followed.
To register for examination and treatment at Vinmec International General Hospital, you can contact Vinmec Health System nationwide, or register online HERE

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