Avoidance, recognition, and management of LASIK complications.

PURPOSE

To provide important concepts of the latest developments in laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) complication avoidance, recognition, and management.

DESIGN

A perspective.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search and review of a total of 816 publications that discussed LASIK complications from 1992 to 2005 was conducted.

RESULTS

The risk of visually threatening complications is inherent in any ophthalmologic surgical procedure. Not only does LASIK require the use of several complex medical devices, but there can be significant human variation in response to this surgical intervention. As a result, many potential complications can occur after LASIK. The risk of many complications can be mitigated by appropriate patient selection and preoperative, surgical, and postoperative care. Unforeseen complications will occur, despite meticulous planning, and must be managed. Important current developments in the avoidance, recognition, and management of LASIK complications are reviewed.

CONCLUSIONS

Complications as a result of LASIK can threaten vision and may cause debilitating symptoms in an otherwise healthy eye. Advancing our understanding of the prevention and management of the complications of LASIK is an endeavor that must be continued as long as refractive surgery is performed.