Problems in LASIK- Chris Moy Although laser eye surgery has seen great advances both procedurally and

technologically in recent years, no achievement comes without its fair share of problems, and LASIK is no exception. One of the major problems right now is the common misconception that corrective eye surgery is effective one-hundred percent of the time. While not exactly a common occurrence, there have been some cases in which the surgery did little if anything at all to correct the problem. There are two general reasons for why laser eye surgery may not be effective, the first being surgical error and differences in technique due to differing opinions as to a standard procedure, or more common other reason, that the problem(s) that needs to be corrected lacks a straightforward solution and therefore must be approached in an abstract, less-reliable manner. One such case was that of a 48 year-old dentist, who presented not with one optical malady, but with three, namely scarring, astigmatism, and a general lack of visual clarity. While any one or maybe even a combination of two might have had a clear approach, the combination of the three presented an example of technology not being up to the challenge, meaning that the doctors in turn had to find a less-than-perfect solution. Situations such as these clarify the problem that the technology implemented is not perfect and are not up to every problem, often resulting in failed surgeries or the need for multiple lengthy and expensive procedures. The other type of problem, a lack of concrete standards for the implementation of technology, produces essentially the same effects because of varying risks and benefits of various techniques. According to a panel of optical surgeons, there a differing opinions not only about which equipment to utilize and how best to implement it (i.e. model of laser or its diameter), but even about the results from using the same procedures. Even leading experts in the field disagree on proper standard procedure, leaving open a very real possibility of failed operations. The lack of standardized equipment and

procedures coupled with imperfect technology displays how although the technology has made noteworthy advancements, it is by no means an exact science and does still possess a capacity for error.

DelMonte, Derek W. "The LASIK 'do-over'." Ophthalmology Times 35.2 (2010): 10-12. Health Source - Consumer

Edition. EBSCO. Web. 8 Nov. 2010.

"Leading surgeons analyze striae after LASIK." Ophthalmology Times 26.20 (2001): 50. Health Source - Consumer

Edition. EBSCO. Web. 8 Nov. 2010