Are artificial corneal refractive surgeries, like LASIK and radial keratotomy safe?
– Dr Walter Stark of Johns Hopkins stated that ads touting radial keratotomy as “safe and effective” are less than frank. About 1 to 3 percent of people have significant side effects. “Every complication listed in an informed consent form” – including the remote risk of going blind – “is something that has actually happened.” Also, “Progressive hyperopia (farsighted vision, after the surgery) will be the thing that condemns radial keratotomy.” One magazine reported that approximately 40% of people who had corneal refractive eye surgery to correct nearsightedness a decade prior, had become prematurely farsighted. Some problems people have experienced with corneal refractive surgeries are not required to be told to potential corneal refractive surgery patients. Anyone considering corneal refractive surgery should read the information provided and the links listed here. – Infections from the incisions may be the greatest threat; an infection can permanently scar the cornea or, worse, pene
