LASIK Eye Surgery: Risks and Benefits

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Many people have asked for a comparison between LASIK and the Rebuild Your Vision Program. This is a difficult or impossible comparison to make since LASIK is an invasive process and our program stresses natural cures and eye exercises. The two processes are total opposites so there is really no possible comparison between the two.

For some people LASIK may offer a viable option, however, it is always a good idea to know both the risks and the benefits before deciding. Not all people are good candidates for this type of eye surgery. For some people the risks are much higher than the benefits.

LASIK Eye Surgery: Risks and BenefitsLASIK surgery should be performed by either a medical doctor who has received training in eye surgery using a laser, or an ophthalmologist.

LASIK surgery is most often used to correct hyperopia, myopia, and astigmatism. These are the eye conditions most likely to result in wearing glasses. They are also conditions that have been successfully treated using a less invasive treatment than surgery.

Before jumping into the surgery, there are a few things that you should discuss with your doctor, which we’ll discuss below. Sadly, you may have to bring up these things with your eye doctor because many LASIK patients have reported that they were not fully informed of the possible problems resulting from the surgery.

What Will Actually Happen During the Surgery?

The doctor will make a cut in your eye so that they can pull back a flap. This flap is pulled back to allow the laser to reach the corneal stoma and make the necessary corrections.

When the surgery is complete the flap is replaced with care to ensure that no dirt or air is trapped beneath it. The eye is then allowed to heal naturally. In most cases no sedative is used for this procedure.

The benefits of the surgery are said to include never having to wear glasses again. Only you can decide if that is enough of a benefit to allow someone to cut into your eye. Read the fine print carefully before you agree to surgery. What is considered to be successful treatment doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll be able to toss out the glasses. 

The Most Common Risks of LASIK Eye Surgery

Several studies have been done on the incidence of dry eye after undergoing LASIK surgery. The American Journal of Ophthalmology reported a 36% chance of dry eye after the six month healing process was complete.

Another study published by Hovanesian et al. reported up to a 48% chance of dry eye developing after the same period. As you can see, it is difficult to set a definitive number, but the fact remains that the chance of developing dry eye after the surgery is real.

If left untreated, dry eye can result in less than optimum results from the surgery. It is important to know that in some cases dry eye cannot be treated or does not respond to treatment and can result in permanent chronic pain or impaired vision.

Diffuse Lamellar Keratitis (DLK), also referred to as “Sands of the Sahara” has also been recorded after LASIK surgery. The nickname comes from the feeling of having sand in your eyes – all the time! DLK results when dead cells lodge under the corneal flap.

The eye treats this like a foreign particle and tries to flush it out. Sadly, this can result in permanent vision loss or scarring of the eye if not treated immediately.

Other Reported Complications Resulting From LASIK Surgery 

  • Corneal Ectasia (bulging of the cornea)
  • Increased sensitivity to light
  • Vitamin D deficiency caused by sun sensitivity
  • Over- or under-correction
  • Fluctuating visual acuity (changes in clarity)
  • Seeing double or ghost images
  • Seeing halos around lights at night
  • Debris under eye flap
  • Developing astigmatism
  • Small break or hole in the macula
  • Posterior vitreous detachment (when the vitreous membrane separates from the retina)
  • Thin or buttonhole flap (caused when an incomplete flap is created during surgery)
  • Eye floaters

As we said earlier, LASIK may be the right choice for some people. This is a decision that you will have to make for yourself. We are just trying to make sure that you know the risks involved. Most invasive procedures prove to have more complications than non-invasive treatments.

Look at LASIK surgery the same way that you would look at a new drug your doctor wanted you to take. You would want to ask your doctor about all the possible side affects. You’d want to know how often people who have used the drug have experienced problems with it. You would ask about possible dangers associated with the drug and about how it would react with other drugs you were taking.

Before you have LASIK surgery you should really be asking all these questions about the procedure and side affects from it as well. Only you can decide what risks you are willing to take. However, before you can make that decision you have to know what the actual risks involved are. Don’t be afraid to ask. It’s you eyes you’re talking about. You have the right to know what could result from the surgery.

The FDA website on LASIK surgery has some great advice: “Before undergoing a refractive procedure, you should carefully weigh the risks and benefits based on your own personal value system, and try to avoid being influenced by friends that have had the procedure or doctors encouraging you to do so.”

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About Orlin Sorensen

My vision started to get blurry as a young teenager. Soon I was wearing glasses for just about everything. This was a hard blow for me because I had always dreamed of becoming a U.S. Navy fighter pilot which required perfect vision without glasses or surgery. But I wasn't ready to give up on my dreams, so I looked into every possible alternative which led me to eye exercises. Through daily vision training and eye exercises, I improved my vision from 20/85 to 20/20 and passed the Navy's visual acuity test. In fact Men's Health declared this one of the "Greatest Comebacks of All Time!" Now, I'm sharing exactly how I did it with the program that helped me so people like you can improve your vision safely and naturally, without glasses, contacts or laser surgery.

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41 Responses to LASIK Eye Surgery: Risks and Benefits

  1. Remo #

    My eye has some myopic vision problems (-2.5); willing to get treated by your natural way; but opted for LASIK; now, it’s o.k. but, again little blur on vision; can it be rectified by natural way!

  2. Hi Remo,

    We have had many customers use the Rebuild Your Vision program after lasik surgery when their vision starts to deteriorate after lasik. They use the Rebuild Your Vision Program located on our home page to maintain their perfect vision.

    Hope this helps!

  3. David Simmons #

    I find it difficult to understand how people are so prepared to risk their precious vision with a surgery that has, by statistics been shown to have so many after effects of a detrimental nature including vision deterioration. Many people even have to resort to further operations to repair problems caused by the initial surgery. Possibly the answer here lies in the knowledge and ability of the surgeon in question, but nevertheless the best recommendation is to check out in depth the previous performance of your Lasik surgeon, ask for testimonials from other patients. Don´t turn a blind eye to these details, you may end up that way!

  4. Sarah Coles #

    The benefits are good but rather scared with the risks involved in this surgery. Thanks for providing this information.

  5. manoj maru (Optometrist) #

    In lasik surgery, the laser beam is applied in a II on the layer of cornea. I believe that in a 200-250 micron gape. There will be a chance of corneal abrasion. Another thing is that a tear field flows can be changed and it reflects a poor vision sometimes during surgery.

  6. Alberto #

    Hi, i want to know if the program( exercise), is in spanish language????

    Thnsks!!

  7. Hi Alberto,

    Unfortunately at this time we don’t offer the Rebuild Your Vision Program in Spanish. Currently it’s only produced in easy-to-read English.

    To your vision — for life,

    Orlin

  8. Teri #

    Hi

    I injured one of my eyes and found using
    eye glasses was a poor cure for me as I
    worked in the forest. It was actually hopeless
    trying to work for a number of reasons.
    The main one beaning distorted preception.

    I was concerned about dry eyes, glair and
    light sensitivity Lasik might create.
    Well a few years on I can tell you I
    have all those problems.

    Lasik is not a cure.

  9. Justin #

    hi, where can i buy the Rebuild Your Vision Program? iv’e been searching over this blog to find it but i don’t have any luck. can you give me a link to it or tell me where it is?

  10. Fred Gehring #

    I had a lasik surgery only in my right eye and got many problems, is it possible treat my other eye with this program ? only one eye ?
    that will cause any problems to the other ?

    Fred Gehring
    From Brazil

  11. Harry #

    LASIK is useless because we have a chance of getting other eye disorders later on in life.

    The doctor was recommending his patients to get LASIK and when they asked about side effects:

    - He spoke about the immediate vision improvement aka magic pill
    And there’s no guarantee from cataract.

    Once I got that, I realized considering LASIK was useless. We are more likely to have cataract later on if we do Lasik.

  12. Ephraim #

    I would not submit to LASIK surgery even if it were offered to me for free!

    My UDVA is 20/100, but I have never worn glasses. I have managed without any visual correction for years, after rejecting the suggestion when I failed an eye test at school at the age of 12. (I am now 45.) Even at that young age, and with no alternative influence, I had the wisdom not to get hooked on glasses as I knew that my vision would only get worse. I had seen that happen to my elder brother. No-one’s vision has ever improved from wearing glasses. (Of course, the optical establishment/industry deny that wearing glasses exacerbates poor vision!)

    Although I have known about natural vision therapy for years, my problem is that I have never managed to make the proper commitment necessary to rendering it a success. I do, however, maintain the right visual habits which have been instrumental in arresting further deterioration. So at least I’m floating even if I’m not swimming!

    I wish everyone success in their endeavours to improve their vision NATURALLY.

    Regards.

  13. Morgan #

    Hey Orlin.

    I think your program is great. And Lasik has ruined a lot of lives. I wanted to share with you this petition. It is fro the FDA to stop Lasik eye surgery from being performed until all the risks are further understood. At the bottom you can read statements of people whose lives were ruined due to lasik and suffer dry eyes and partial blindness. I hope you read this and comsider signing the petition. It takes no longer than a minute and you will help a good cause. Thank you. Heres the link

    http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/support-petition-to-withdraw-lasik-approval/

  14. Drew #

    My experience getting assessed for Lasik:

    I went through a lot of very careful measurement tests and questionnaires. I am near-sighted and can read and see perfectly close-up. But I was told I would LOOSE that ability after surgery and would need glasses to read! (Now THAT’s something not advertised!)

    Finally, after about 45 minutes of interviewing and measuring, I had to pass the Final test which is where they test you for TOUCH sensitivity. It turns out that NOTHING can get near my eyeballs without a strong involuntary (and Quick!) reaction to snap my eyelids shut – followed by involuntary tears!

    So, based on that, I was immediately rejected. It turns out you need to be able to hold your eyes wide open for 8-10 minutes while they mess with your eyeballs. Now, most women it turns out have no problem because of years applying eye makeup. And I guess folks who already use contacts would also have no problem touching their eyeballs. I creeps me out and I get tears just thinking about poking my eyeballs.

    You would think that the Lasik people would do the eyeball-touch test FIRST, or even asked WAY beforehand instead of wasting my time.

    Or, am I a rare case?

    -Just thought you all would like to know what to expect.

  15. varsha #

    my number of both eyes are very large nearlly about -8.25 .. can i do laser operatoin of my eyes i’m am 18 years old……

  16. varsha #

    or i should opt natural thearpyyyy

  17. Joan #

    Has anyone ever heard of ORTHO-C? (not ortho-K).

  18. Shah #

    Thanks Orlin,
    I think your website is a ray of hope anyone who is suffering eye problem… definitely, its a procedure most safe if it works… I hope that opticians will accept the reality soon… as its not fair with people who wore glasses that they are not told any other solution….
    I’m working on these, hope for good

  19. Hi Justin,

    To buy The Rebuild Your Vision Program visit our home page http://www.rebuildyourvision.com.

    To your vision — for life,

    Orlin

  20. Hi Fred,

    You can use The Rebuild Your Vision Program to specifically focus on improving your vision in your other eye that wasn’t worked on. We provide an eye patch in the program to work on each eye individually.

    To your vision — for life,

    Orlin

  21. Hi Versha,

    The exercises and techniques are designed to strengthen and relax your visual system just as you would any other weak part of your body, improving your vision and helping you to see clearly — naturally.

    Higher degrees of correction can be helped with our program but it will likely take more time and dedication on your part. The exercises have been designed to be adjusted for all ranges of clarity.

    To your vision — for life,

    Orlin

  22. mohammed #

    Sir,my doctor said am having ambylopia or lazy eye and am 19years old.it is told that for the weaker eye to improve,it should be detected between the age of 7-12.so Sir,do you reckon the rebuild your vision program can give me significant improvement ?(using my weak eye,i cant read small letters even with glasses)……

    thanx

  23. Ross #

    Hi Orlin,
    Can children do the exercises in the Rebuild your vision program or they are only for adults? My child is ten years old and has some myopic vision problems.
    Is it appropriate for her to do the exercises
    Thank you

  24. varsha #

    thanxx for ur advise orlin .I will definitely do ur exercise will my full dedication..

  25. Hi Mohammed,

    Unfortunately the Rebuild Your Vision Program will not help medical conditions like a lazy eye. It was designed for normal refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, aging vision/presbyopia, astigmatism, and computer vision syndrome..

    To your vision — for life,

    Orlin

  26. Hi Ross,

    We recommend that your child be old enough to understand the basic ideas and principles of the Rebuild Your Vision Program. This usually occurs in children around the age of 10 to 12.

    To your vision — for life,

    Orlin

  27. iacopo #

    Orlin
    have you taken some info from the Bates method ?
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bates_method

    kind regards

  28. priyanka #

    hi orlin, ,i am very keen to improve my vision and found ur program as a ray of hope. i hv some queries as my case is a little diffrent, i had undergone lasik surgery 4 years ago.i was suffering from myopia -2 in left eye and -4 for right, but even after lasik now i again hv to wear glasses with -2 for left eye and +1 for right .is it myopia in one eye and hypermetropia in other.can your programme help me to restore my vision.

  29. Hi Priyanka,

    We have a ton of success stories of people who have used “The Rebuild Your Vision Program” after Lasik Surgery to restore their vision back to 20/20.

    Checkout the personal stories of Pearl Tantivongsathaporn and Lisa Lisa Jameson on the following page.

    http://rebuildyourvision.com/success_stories/

    To your vision — for life,

    Orlin

  30. Hi Iacopo,

    Although Dr. Bates is credited for pioneering the subject of natural vision improvement and paving the way for its progression, it has been nearly 80 years since his work.

    The subject has been greatly refined and advanced. We have extensively researched and compiled those technological advances into the Rebuild Your Vision program.

    To your vision — for life,

    Orlin

  31. gaurav #

    hi,sir.I’m 17 yrs.old and have -5 in left n -4 in right one.Can I hope to ever be able to bring it to 0 in both eyes….I’ve astigmatism as well.-1.75 in left and -1.5 in right eye…please respond soon.

  32. Chetan #

    Hi Orlin,

    Thanks for this website.

    I have undergone the laser surgery way back in 2005 and have had good vision for about 6 years or so however recently i have developed regression but i do not wish to go for lasik once more though i feel it would not be that much of a harm.

    I would like to tell one thing is that people have to have patience if they do not wish to go for lasik, and those who believe lasik is harmful should research first thoroughly before going thru the same.

  33. sai #

    hi orlin, i have lots of queries , iam having myopia -6 in rt eye, -6.25 in lt eye and some times i feel dry in my eyes and i went yearly check up to eye doctor and he told me that i have glaucoma, i feel so depressed,as i am 31 and in my family no body having glaucoma but i didn’t find any symptoms especially in my rt eye if i keenly notice a very tiny round one moving according to my eye ball movement, but i feel so wexed, soo plz can u tell me any solution..

  34. Hi Sai,

    To learn more about Glaucoma and how it can be prevented, please read the following post:

    http://www.rebuildyourvision.com/blog/vision-conditions/glaucoma/can-glaucoma-be-prevented/

    To your vision — for life,

    Orlin

  35. Divas Ghanaksh #

    Thanks Orlin for sending me mails on the topic “Rebuild your vision”. Thanks a lot…
    Regards,
    Divas Ghanaksh

  36. Mary Smith #

    I became myopic during childhood, and over the decades my vision got worse. When it got to the point that no one made contact lenses the strength I required, and my special glass lenses had to be so precise that they were made in Germany by a telescope company, I considered LASIK. What a godsend. My eyes could not be completely perfect, but one eye 20/20 and the other 20/60. It has been four years, and I am still quite happy with my vision. I am, however, now doing the Rebuild Your Vision” exercises and nutrition in order to maintain the fabulous gift of good vision!

  37. Martin Theodor #

    Orlin,

    Had a few questions regarding the Rebuild Your Vision program –

    I’ve had detached retina surgery on my left eye followed by cataract surgery…currently I have a corrective lens implant on my left eye so I cant really do exercises for it but would I still be able to do the Rebuild Your Vision for just the right eye? If I did the ones that require both eyes would it affect anything that one of my eyes sees clearly(w/ the implant) while the other doesnt?(the one Im trying to exercise).

    Also my vision is about -9.5 to -10, is it still possible that eye exercies could help?

  38. Hi Martin,

    You will need both eyes to preform the eye exercises in the Rebuild Your Vision Program.

    Unfortunately the Rebuild Your Vision Program will not help medical conditions. It was designed for normal refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, aging vision/presbyopia, astigmatism, and computer vision syndrome.

    To your vision — for life,

    Orlin

  39. Bessie #

    Hi Orlin, I had LASIK and have every side effect you can imagine. Can your course help me?
    Regards
    Jay

  40. Hi Bessie,

    We have a ton of success stories of people who have used “The Rebuild Your Vision Program” after Lasik Surgery to restore their vision back to 20/20.

    Checkout the personal stories of Pearl Tantivongsathaporn and Lisa Lisa Jameson on the following page.

    http://rebuildyourvision.com/success_stories/

    To your vision — for life,

    Orlin

  41. Hrituraj #

    Sir, I am a 15 year old boy and suffering from the problem of myopia.I wear glasses(4.0 d) and it really hurts me.Can you let me know whether i will be able to see without glasses or not after using your program???.If yes then how can i order your program??Plz sir plz help me

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