Retinal Detachment With LASIK Eye Surgery

It is possible to experience retinal detachment with LASIK eye surgery, but this occurs in less than 1 out of 1,000 cases. When this happens, the inner layer of the retina separates from its outer layer. If a retinal detachment with LASIK eye surgery does occur, the method used to fix it will depend on the severity and location. Most cases involve surgery to attempt to repair the damage.

Complications of LASIK Surgery

Retinal Detachment With LASIK Eye Surgery

Detachment of the retina is a rare complication of

LASIK eye surgery, albeit a serious one. Retinal detachment is when the inner layer of the retina separates from its outer layer. This is usually the result of a hole or break in the inner layer that allows fluid in between the two layers. It is estimated that retinal detachments occur in less than 1 out of 1,000 patients.

A less severe complication is a retinal tear, or break. However, a retinal tear often results in eventual retinal detachment.

If you are at high risk for a retinal detachment prior to the procedure, your doctor may recommend special retinal examinations or may recommend treating your eye with a laser prior to LASIK to reduce this risk.

If a retinal detachment with LASIK eye surgery does develop, the method used to treat it depends on its severity and location. Most will involve a surgery to attempt to repair the damage. The effects of this problem will also range from no vision loss to total vision loss.

If this rare complication does occur, your doctor will discuss the treatment options in your particular situation and the possible consequences.