Can I Go Blind After Laser Eye Surgery?
Amid the excitement of going ahead with Laser Eye Surgery and the possibility of ditching your glasses and contact lenses for years to come, there can also be a degree of anxiety and even fear. Many patients understandably worry about the risks associated with the procedure; for example, is it possible to go blind as a result of Laser Eye Surgery?
Technically, there is an exceedingly small risk of blindness from Laser Eye Surgery – around the same as dying in a plane crash…
The good news is that there are, to date, no records of this ever having happened. In fact, Laser Eye Surgery is now considered one of the safest elective procedures in the world – and the most commonly performed. This is thanks to ongoing innovations and developments in Laser Eye Surgery technology and techniques.
Nonetheless, it is imperative that patients are aware of all the risks when deciding whether or not to go ahead with treatment.
In the short video below, our expert Laser Eye Surgeon, Mr Glenn Carp, explains the extremely small risk of blindness associated with the procedure.
As Mr Carp explains, there have been cases around the world where patients have experienced significant vision loss following Laser Eye Surgery, but these cases are extremely rare. However, for this to occur, a series of complications would need to arise in succession and remain undiagnosed or ignored. This is almost unheard of – particularly among leading Laser Eye surgeons.
Moreover, as technology and expertise continue to improve, such occurrences are becoming increasingly unlikely. More thorough screening processes and improved safety procedures can be extremely effective in preventing any unexpected complications that could lead to significant vision loss.
For example, at London Vision Clinic, our comprehensive consultation process allows our doctors to assess every aspect of your health and vision, ensuring your suitability for Laser Eye Surgery and allowing your surgeon to create a personalised treatment plan. In the unlikely event that something does go wrong during your treatment, an expert surgeon is usually able to address and correct the issue immediately.
Our expert surgeons are on hand every step of the way to make you feel more comfortable about your treatment and outcomes. This attention to providing the best possible care and treatment is what sets our Laser Eye Surgery apart. Our experienced clinic staff ensure you are as informed as possible about all the risks associated with your treatment. However, with our unrivalled access to the latest technology and the best expertise in the industry, our patient outcomes are among the best in the world.
So, as you can see, while it is technically possible to lose your vision after Laser Eye Surgery, the real risk of this happening is extremely small. In fact, you are reportedly more likely to die from falling out of bed!
If you’d like to learn more about the potential risks and complications associated with Laser Eye Surgery, our friendly and knowledgeable clinic coordinators are always on hand to help. Alternatively, if you’d like to learn whether you could be suitable for Laser Eye Surgery, Book a Consultation today.
View Comments (33)
Can laser eye surgery be to to a patient that has had a retina attachment operation without detaching the retina again
Hi Ameenul. Yes, this is often possible, as long as a retinal specialist has confirmed that it is now safe to consider laser eye surgery. If you have any further questions about this, please do give us a call on 020 7224 1005.
Kind regards,
London Vision Clinic
Im 13 and have -3.25 vision. I can’t even read my computer screen when i’m a foot away from it. I’ve asked many people about Lasik and i’m interested in collecting the money to get it. Should I?
Hi I have astigmatism (i think thats how you spell it). Can I have the surgery?
Hi Keiva,
Yes, most clinics will incorporate treating the astigmatism into your treatment plan. Let us know if you have any further questions.
Thanks,
London Vision Clinic
i m already 18.i have a vision of -5.50 can i go for laser eye treatment
Hi Ralf,
Yes, there is certainly no reason from the information you have given me that you would not be able to have Laser Eye Surgery. We would need to go through some questions with you first and, of course, have a suitability screening. Please call the clinic on 0207 224 1005 for more information.
Thanks,
London Vision Clinic
I am 18 years old my number is -11.5 WITH CYLINDRICAL -2.5 . I want to know is laser eye surgery is an option for me .
Hi Jessica,
We do treat patients as young as 18, however, to confirm if you would be suitable we would need to see you for a consultation. We would need as many previous prescriptions as you can get. It is certainly possible but we would need to make sure that it was the best option for you at this stage. Please let us know if you have any further questions or call the clinic to speak to one of our Patient Care Coordinators on 0207 224 1005.
Thanks
London Vision Clinic
i have a condition called marfins i started wearing glasses at 38 my precription has been the same for 5 years i dont wear glasses to read are work up close i wear my glasses to watch tv and see across the room i am 53 can i get laser eye surgery are is it too riskey
Hi Matt,
This would very much be on a case by case basis. We would need more information and would most likely need to refer you to an inflammatory specialist we work with- Professor Will Ayliffe. With all of the necessary information we could then advise you if surgery would be a viable option.
Please contact us on 0207 224 1005 if you have any further questions.
Thanks,
London Vision Clinic
Hi, I'm 18 with -4.25/-3.75 vision at the moment and I am concerned as it has seemed to be increasing the prescription every single time I have had an eye test :(
I am worried about my vision and it's increasing need for a higher prescription
Is this normal?
Is there any way I can better my eyesight without surgery?
Is the fact that I have big eyes a factor to my myopia?
Hi Elen,
Thank you for your comments.
It is certainly normal for your prescrip[tion to be changing, but it is important to note to keep up with eye examinations. Yes; often the teenage years are when myopia progresses due to the changing of the eye. In regards to surgery, this is another form of vision correction, much like glasses and contact lenses. It is not a cure for the progression of Myopia. I am not sure what you mean by big eyes. The axial length of the eye does mean you will have myopia, yes. I hope this helps slightly, please do not hesitate to contact us on 0207 224 1005 if you have any further questions.
Thanks
London Vision Clinic
I was born with an off-shape pupil in one of my eyes. Often been decsribed to me as "one eye is a rugby ball not a football". I'm 22 and short sighted because of it, can this be corrected through L.E.S on the lens?
Hi Furiora,
Thank you for your message. It sounds like you are describing an astigmatism. If that is the case and you can clarify this, then yes, it is very much treatable with Laser Eye Surgery. Do you know your prescription at all. Laser Eye Surgery can usually do what the glasses are doing. If you are happy with the level of vision you achieve with your glasses then surgery could certainly reduce your dependance on visual aids. Please call the clinic on 0207 224 1005.
Thanks,
London Vision Clinic
Hi,
Can you please advise me to wether or not you are able to have laser eye treatment if you are blind in one eye. Prior to an accident in 2002 I have never had any issues with my eyes. I however do now wear glasses to read and do computer work. I would be very grateful if you would be able to answer my question. I have been told many different answers over the years. With all the advancements and improvements, would it now. be possible. I await an answer in anticipation.
Regards
Hi Patrick,
Yes, someone who is blind in one eye could be a possible candidate for Laser Eye Surgery. You would certainly want to make sure you visit a specialist clinic. It may be unsuitable due to your age, prescription and other factors. You would have to have a full suitability consultation and of course the surgeon will go through all of the risks involved. The best thing to do would be to call the clinic on 0207 224 1005 so we can go through a few preliminary questions with you to give you a bit more information.
Thanks,
London Vision Clinic
Hi, I blind in my left eye have been since birth. Would I be able to have surgery on my right eye to correct my vision?
Thank
Hi Naomi,
Yes, someone who is blind in one eye could be a possible candidate for Laser Eye Surgery. You would certainly want to make sure you visit a specialist clinic. It may be unsuitable due to your age, prescription and other factors. You would have to have a full suitability consultation and of course the surgeon will go through all of the risks involved. The best thing to do would be to call the clinic on 0207 224 1005 so we can go through a few preliminary questions with you to give you a bit more information.
Thanks,
London Vision Clinic