Risks exist in medicine, but the risks of laser treatment are exceptionally small.
However, current lasers and preoperative measurement equipment provide predictable postoperative results in more than 99.5% of cases. Complications can occur, but are rare.
The risk of blindness is virtually zero.
Minor complications are estimated at less than 0.8% according to the SNOF (Syndicat National des Ophtalmologues de France).
Laser surgery has been around for over thirty years, since the 1990s. Lasers have improved greatly since then, with precision down to the micron, since the 2000s.
In addition, technological advances in corneal topography allow us to perform highly accurate preoperative examinations, allowing us to select suitable candidates and achieve results of nearly 100% satisfaction.
However, every procedure carries risks of side effects and possible complications.
A feeling of dryness is common after laser treatment in the first months. This is usually well tolerated with artificial tears.
The risk of infection is exceptional and is about 1 in 3000 cases. An antibiotic drop is prescribed to prevent this.
Some patients describe light halos, often in people who were photophobic before the procedure, with a light colored iris and large physiological pupils. This side effect usually resolves spontaneously after about 1 month in the vast majority of cases.
There is an absolute contraindication for the laser, namely a pathological cornea in the shape of a cone (keratoconus) due to its anatomical structure and its fragility.
For about 15 years, preoperative measuring devices have been able to effectively detect these cases of exclusion.
Since 1987, when excimer gas lasers were introduced, lasers have become more efficient and faster, but the principle of sculpting the cornea remains the same.
Worldwide, approximately 1 million people per year undergo laser surgery to eliminate their dependence on glasses or lenses.
The risk of complete loss of vision is so rare that there are no statistical data on it in the literature to date.