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The risks of eye laser surgery have been highlighted by a US newspaper.
The Seattle Times suggested back in 2007 that as more Americans search for an alternative to glasses and head for surgery, the importance of highlighting the dangers must be noted.
Citing US Food and Drug Administration statistics, thousands of people suffer with problems such as dry eyes, distorted vision and chronic pain. Blindness has been known to occur.
Matthew Kostsovolos, a 38-year-old who underwent the surgery, now suffers with head pain and has to wear special goggles to preserve the moisture in his eye.
He once worked at an vision company, but now hopes to raise awareness of the risks of eye laser surgery.
"It may help inform people that this is a surgery with real risks that are understated by LASIK surgeons," he told the publication.
In the US, evidence regarding the problems of eye laser surgery has been building.
Lauranell Burch, a former medical researcher said that since getting LASIK surgery, her eye sting and burn constantly.
"[The damage] is noticeable and on the front of your mind all your waking hours. There's no escape," she said.
For people desperate to rid themselves of their vision problems,
orthokeratology could provide the answer.
Ortho k lenses are specially designed to be worn at night and are a great alternative to eye laser surgery.
They are non-invasive and help to gently reshape the cornea to give
natural vision for the rest of the day upon awaking.
The additional bonus is that they are taken out in the morning, so that you can see clearly without needing to wear contact lenses or glasses or resort to invasive eye laser surgery.
By Steve Leng
