Does LASIK cause nerve damage?

Does LASIK cause nerve damage?

Does LASIK cause nerve damage?

During LASIK surgery, nerves in the anterior cornea are severed during creation of the flap, and deeper corneal nerves are destroyed by laser ablation. Medical studies demonstrate that corneal nerves do not recover normal densities and patterns after LASIK. Some patients report severe, persistent eye pain after LASIK.

Can you damage your eyes after LASIK?

Your eyes will be particularly sensitive and prone to UV damage after LASIK, so be sure to wear sunglasses when you go outside. This is a good rule of thumb even after you’re fully healed, as UV protection is just as important for your eyes as it is for your skin.

Can LASIK cause optic neuritis?

Conclusions: Optic neuropathy is a potential vision-threatening complication of LASIK surgery. This complication may be due to barotrauma or ischemia related to extreme elevation of intraocular pressure by the suction ring. Careful examination of the optic nerve before and after LASIK surgery is warranted.

Do corneal nerves regenerate after LASIK?

In the corneal flap, the number of subbasal and stromal nerve fiber bundles decreases by 90% immediately after LASIK. During the first year after LASIK, subbasal nerve fiber bundles gradually return, although by 1 year their number remains less than half of that before LASIK.

How can I improve my vision after LASIK?

Keep reading for 8 tips for your best LASIK recovery in Houston!

  1. After LASIK, Rest Your Eyes.
  2. Take It Easy.
  3. Don’t Wear Any Eye Makeup For At Least A Week.
  4. Take All Prescribed Eye Drops and Medications as Directed.
  5. Attend All Follow-Up Appointments.
  6. Avoid Getting Any Water Directly In Your Eyes.

How long does it take for eyes to heal after LASIK?

Although you will quickly notice a significant improvement in your vision, recovering from LASIK is an ongoing process. Full recovery varies by patient, and it may take three to six months for your vision to fully stabilize. During this time, your LASIK surgeon will meet with you regularly to check on your vision.

How long does it take for corneal nerves to heal?

Corneal nerves can take up to 5 years to regenerate post-LASIK11,12,13,14,15,16. However, some studies have shown that corneal nerves never completely return to pre-operative levels and that the regenerated nerves have abnormal morphology (i.e. thin, greater curvature and abnormal branching)14,17,18.

What happens to cornea after LASIK?

The corneal flap will begin the healing process immediately following the surgery and will be significantly healed in one to three days following the procedure. During this time the outer surface of the cornea (also known as the epithelium) will seal the edges of the newly created corneal flap.

When do dry eyes go away after LASIK?

Post-LASIK dry eye usually lasts for at least 1 month. Tear function and dry eye symptoms improve to preoperative levels thereafter. However, a small number of patients still experience chronic dry eye symptoms more than 1 year after LASIK.