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Complications of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK)
K F Tabbara1, H F El-Sheikh, C L Vera-Cristo
1The Eye Center, The Eye Foundation for Research in Ophthalmology, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. k.tabbara@nesma.net.sa
Purpose:
To report major complications associated with laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK).
Methods:
Twenty-four eyes of 23 patients who underwent LASIK in different centers in Saudi Arabia were included. There were 9 women and 14 men. The age range was from 20 to 65 years. Nineteen of the 23 patients had been referred to the Eye Center for management. All patients had a complete ophthalmologic examination, refraction, corneal topography and pachymetry.
Results:
The 24 eyes of 23 patients had complications consequent to LASIK. Thirteen were intraoperative complications, and 11 postoperative. Ten (44%) of the 23 cases were related to the corneal flap, two (9%) with intraocular perforation with the microkeratome. Three (13%) had photoablation-related complications. Postoperative complications included three (13%) cases of infections, four (17%) stromal-interface related problems, one (5%) who developed interface vascularization, and one (5%) with non-ischemic central retinal vein occlusion.
Conclusions:
Although LASIK is a safe and effective procedure, a small number of patients may suffer serious complications that can even lead to visual loss. The procedure must be carefully performed by qualified surgeons.