What long-term effects can I expect?

The PRK excimer laser procedure has been prevalent in many countries around the world since the late 1980s. Many clinical studies have investigated the long term effects of the excimer laser on the cornea. All of these studies, without exception, have failed to demonstrate any long term negative effects on the integrity of the eye. Since LASIK is a relatively new procedure (first performed in 1991), no one knows with absolute certainty what the long term effects are. We do know that very thin corneas do not do well. The center of the cornea may bulge forward, this is called ectasia. We do know that we have to keep 250 microns of corneal tissue intact. If after calculation it shows that 250 microns or more of corneal tissue can be preserved untouched then the probability of ectasia after the LASIK procedure is much smaller. Since LASIK was first introduced clinical studies have been unable to show any other negative effects on the eye. Many patients achieve 20/20 vision after their procedure, and today, they are still 20/20 without any difficulties. Patients who require an enhancement procedure will typically do so within the first few months following the procedure, not years later.

Some of our visitors have rated this question and 50% have said it helped them. Did this question and answer help you? Yes / No

Directions