Abstract
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.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 139-146 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | European Journal of Ophthalmology |
Volume | 13 |
Issue number | 2 |
State | Published - Mar 2003 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Automated lamellar keratectomy (ALK)
- Cornea
- Excimer laser
- Laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK)
- Myopia
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Ophthalmology