Introduction:
The following information is intended to help you make an informed decision about having Laser Assisted In Situ Keratomilieusis (LASIK) surgery to correct your vision. It is our hope to fully inform you concerning the side effects, limitations, and complications of laser surgery. It is impossible to list all of the possible risks and complications associated with this proposed surgery or any other treatment. The first important message to understand is that it is impossible to perform any form of surgery without the patient accepting a certain degree of risk and responsibility. Risks considered to be unforeseeable or remote are not discussed but that does not mean they do not exist. In addition, because LASIK is a relatively recent surgery, there may be long-term effects not yet known or anticipated at the present time.

Many of our patients are surprised by the extent to which we attempt to inform them of the potential for complications. It is not our intention to frighten or dissuade someone from pursuing laser surgery, as the vast majority of patients will never encounter any serious complications and are very pleased with the improvement they achieve. It is our intention, however, to accurately outline the associated risks to all candidates so that they may either elect not to accept the associated risks or be prepared to deal with any unexpected complications or side effects. The only way in which a patient can avoid all surgical risks is by not proceeding with surgery.