The External Factors That Affect Lasik Eye Surgery Results

LASIK eye surgery has become one of the most sought after cosmetic procedure. More than a million U.S. adults undergo the procedure each year and, according to one survey conducted by researchers, more than 97 percent of these individuals would recommend laser vision correction to a friend. While LASIK is a great choice for many people, not every surgery results in perfect 20/20 vision. Additionally, there are also a number of possible risks, complications and side effects of which all potential patients should be aware.

There are a number of factors that can influence LASIK eye surgery results, such as age, health and various eye characteristics. However, there are also a number of external factors that can also affect the outcome of the surgery. These outside variables can lead to possible complications such as poor vision, overcorrection, undercorrection and poor night vision. Learn more about these influences so that you can take steps to minimize the impact and enjoy better results.

Temperature and Humidity

Surprisingly, experts have even discovered that weather conditions can have an impact on LASIK results. In a study published in the Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, researchers found that patients who underwent surgery during hot or humid weather were more likely to need additional enhancement surgery. However, this does not mean that consumers should avoid having LASIK during the summer months. Instead, the researchers recommend that doctors consider weather conditions when calibrating surgical tools. Discuss this issue with your doctor prior to your surgery to learn more about the steps your surgeon takes to counteract the impact of temperature and humidity.

Post-Surgical Care

The type of care you receive after LASIK surgery is another external factor that can have a big impact on results. As with any type of medical procedure, it is absolutely essential to follow a doctor’s recommendations following a surgery. Typically, your doctor will recommend that you avoid rubbing your eyes as well as staying away from irritating makeup and lotions. Generally, you will need to wear some protective eyewear immediately after the procedure. Your doctor may also ask you to utilize eye drops to minimize inflammation, dryness and possible infection.

What happens if you fail to follow the doctor’s orders? Unfortunately, not taking the necessary precautions after surgery can seriously compromise the results of the LASIK procedure. Some patients have reported significant visual deterioration after receiving even a mild eye injury immediately after undergoing laser vision correction. For this reason, it is vital to protect your eyes from harm during this crucial recovery period.