Complications of eye surgery can be disabling
Published on July 26th, 2018 by Eric Slepian
People who rely on contacts or glasses to see know that such measures can be expensive and inconvenient at times. Not surprisingly, millions of people have decided to do away with contacts and glasses altogether by undergoing elective Lasik eye surgery.
This particular procedure is increasingly common and allows patients to see clearly without the help of glasses or contacts. However, some people who undergo Lasik wind up with serious eye issues and complications that affect everything from their vision to their mental health.
Complications of eye surgery
People who get Lasik could be at risk of certain complications, even if they have healthy eyes. While these conditions often go away over time, this doesn’t always happen. Such complications include:
- Blurred vision
- Dry eyes
- Soreness and pain
- Light sensitivity
- Glare, halos and other visual aberrations
Reports suggest that Lasik surgery can also make it more difficult to detect glaucoma and eye pressure, and long-term complications could include development of corneal ectasia. Without proper treatment, these conditions can threaten a person’s vision and even lead to blindness.
Small, but not insignificant
As noted in this New York Times article, many ophthalmologists call Lasik “the safest medical procedure done on the eye” and that serious, long-term complications are rare.
Rare is not the same thing as unheard of; thousands of patients suffer complications after the operation, some of which are disabling. In fact, some patients experience chronic pain, dry eyes and vision problems that make it impossible to drive, look at a computer screen or get through the day without powerful medication. In some cases, the effects of these complications can lead to depression and even thoughts of suicide.
Getting help in light of post-surgical complications
When operations lead to severe complications, the last thing people should have to worry about is how they will support themselves and get the medical care they need. However, these are important matters that warrant immediate attention.
When people are blind or have low vision, their conditions can make it impossible for them to work for at least a year. Under these circumstances, disability benefits may be available.
