How often do surgical complications occur?
Since 1993 we have performed 20,000 LASIK procedures and have seen 23 serious complications (0.1%). From 1998 -1999 five procedures resulted in surgical errors known as “buttonhole” cuts (0.025%). An investigation determined the problem to be adherence to incorrect specifications by the microkeratome (blade) manufacturer. In cooperation with the manufacturer, the specifications were corrected and we changed our procedure accordingly. Since then, not a single “buttonhole” has occurred in our clinic.
