Side Effects and Complications

You have been diagnosed with myopia or hyperopia with or without corneal curvature (astigmatism). The purpose of PRK/Trans-PRK/LASEK is to reduce dependence on corrective lenses.

PRK permanently changes the shape of the cornea. Treatment is performed under local anaesthesia (eye drops). In PRK, the top layer of the cornea, the epithelium, is removed mechanically. The cornea is then modelled with an excimer laser to compensate for the defective vision. After the treatment, the epithelium rebuilds at the edges and covers the superficial wound after a few days.

Even if the aim of the treatment is to improve vision to such an extent that there is no longer any dependence on corrective spectacle lenses or contact lenses, a certain result or the success of an operation can never be guaranteed. Follow-up treatments, surgical corrections, glasses or contact lenses may be necessary in order to have sufficient vision for certain activities.

PRK does not correct presbyopia, which requires reading glasses for people over 40 years of age.

Corneal healing has been studied for more than a century. Based on the several million laser vision correction treatments that have been performed, it has been proven that laser vision correction is both safe and effective. Although extremely rare, as in any medical procedure, there are potential side effects associated with excimer laser treatment.

Night glare

Night glare is most apparent during the first several weeks of your recovery. It usually dissolves and returns to pre-procedure levels once your eyes have healed. WaveFront technology has repeatedly shown its ability to improve night vision. Some patients treated with the AMO® WaveScan System™ actually had better night vision after treatment than they experienced with their corrective lenses.

Infection

There is a slight risk of infection during the first days after your procedure. As part of your treatment, you will receive antibiotic drops to be applied during your recovery period. To minimize the risk of infection, we highly recommend that you avoid activities such as gardening or swimming for the first two weeks.

Overcorrection

Some patients experience minimal overcorrection during the healing process. Again, this is part of your eye's healing. Your vision will stabilize within one to four weeks, depending on your previous level of myopia. Very seldom, the overcorrection may persist. After a three to four month period, an enhancement procedure, called Re-LASIK can be performed to remedy this problem. This will be done at no charge to you.

Regression

Vision generally remains stable. Some individuals may experience a degree of regression or undercorrection, although this is usually minimal. It can be corrected with an additional procedure, or you may opt for temporary wearing a pair of glasses, or contact lenses. The overwhelming majority of patients require only one procedure.