LASIK eye surgery is a revolutionary way to correct your vision using state-of-the-art laser technology to reshape your cornea. However, it isn't without its drawbacks.

While there are many benefits to the procedure, it pays to know about what sort of negative effects you may experience if you undergo the treatment. Below are some of the common drawbacks to the procedure. Additionally, knowing what questions to ask when scouting out potential doctors can make a significant impact on the level of risk. 

Infection Risk

Any type of surgery will come with an inherent risk of infection. With LASIK, it is estimated that only 1 in 5,000 patients will experience infection following the procedure. 

Severe Dry Eye Syndrome

While most patients who undergo LASIK will develop some level of dry eye irritation (approximately 95% of patients report symptoms related to dry eyes) the majority of cases see that irritation diminish over time. However, there is still a small risk that the dry eye symptoms will remain permanently; this risk is extremely small, but certainly worth being aware of. Ask your prospective physicians how many of their patients have been left with permanent dry eye syndrome to assess your individual risk. 

Partial or Complete Loss of Vision

Vision loss is an extremely rare condition, but there are cases in which the patient has exited surgery with semi or permanent loss of vision that is not correctable by glasses or contacts. However, the risk of vision loss is minuscule, with some firms reporting it as low as 1 in 5 million. 

How Risky Is LASIK Overall?

It is important to bear in mind that these potential complications are just that: potential. They are not representative of what to expect, but rather things to be aware of that could happen.

Generally speaking, LASIK is a fairly safe procedure. However, that level of safety increases or decreases dramatically based on the office that is performing the procedure. Beyond the basic level of investigation that you should be doing before deciding on a practice (online reviews, meeting them in person, etc.) you should also be aware of the following:

• Types of lasers they are using, and ensuring that they aren't using antiquated technology.
• Qualifications of the practice with the most current LASIK procedures and methodologies.
• Length of time the practice has been in business: the longer the better. 

Any good firm will happily answer these questions, allowing you to effectively choose a suitable business to get your LASIK eye surgery. Intermountain Eye Centers is one eye clinic in your area you can visit with questions.