Is it possible to go blind after laser vision correction?

Vision loss is one of the biggest concerns associated with laser correction of the defect. You can find data in British sources that the actual risk of vision loss as a result of laser vision correction performed by an experienced surgeon is too small to measure – it is less than 1 in 5 million. The history of surgical correction of vision defects dates back to the 1950s – so doctors have really managed to learn a lot, and today they are additionally supported by artificial intelligence (AI).

Experienced refractive surgeon + AI = the perfect duo

Of course, there are cases of people who have experienced significant vision loss as a result of complications during laser treatment, but they are really few. For such complications to occur UNDER the procedure at all, there would have to be truly unusual circumstances! For example, a series of errors within the pre-surgery diagnosis would come into play, which would prevent the creation of its correct architecture. Is this even possible?

It is worth knowing that during the pre-operative diagnosis and during the procedure itself, the refractive surgeon is supported by artificial intelligence (AI) – a computer algorithm that collects and processes data and makes decisions based on it. It is able to process a lot of data very quickly, including highly complex data or data that might have escaped human attention or even be unnoticeable to him.

Thanks to this analysis, which would take a lot of time for a doctor, it is possible to design “tailor-made” ophthalmic surgeries – that is, to create a procedure architecture tailored to the individual needs of each patient.

Can a collaboration between AI and an experienced refractive surgeon result in a misdiagnosis?

In theory, yes, but in practice such cases are not recorded. And this is not because AI is infallible, and also the surgeon ascribes omniscience to himself. Laser vision correction is always preceded by such detailed qualifying examinations that if anything raises doubts in the doctor’s mind, the operation will fail.

Non-specific reaction of the body – it is beyond our control

On the other hand, if something goes wrong during the procedure – and you should be aware that the laser works within the shallow layers of the eye, not interfering deep inside the eyeball – the surgeon is usually able to address and fix the problem immediately.

However, as after any surgical procedure, including laser surgery, there can be unexpected complications or a non-specific reaction from the body. Neither artificial intelligence nor a doctor will predict this.

With the development of technology and the evolution of medical knowledge, loss of vision during laser defect correction surgery is becoming less and less likely.

When deciding to undergo laser vision correction surgery, it should be remembered that potential complications unrelated to vision loss are always possible, and the discomfort accompanying recovery is not one of the complications – it is a natural process inherent in the healing of the eye and its adaptation to new functioning conditions.