LASIK, PRK, and SMILE are probably the safest major surgeries performed on the human body. But any surgery, even with our advanced laser technology and competent surgeon and staff, carries risk. The risks of LASIK for causing severe visual problems are extremely low, and when complications of LASIK ensue, they are generally amenable to improvement.
Upon arrival for your free laser vision correction consultation, all LASIK eye surgery risks and benefits are clearly disclosed to each patient in a detailed video presentation. Following the presentation a consent form will be provided to the patients re-capping (or summarizing) the information provided in the video. Any additional questions or information a patient may require can be discussed directly with the physician during the consultation or prior to surgery.
If you are interested in learning more about LASIK eye surgery risks, potential complications of LASIK, or if you’re interested in scheduling an appointment in North Canton, Canfield or Alliance OH, contact Roholt Vision Institute today.
DRY EYE (1-3%)
Dry eye can be aggravated or induced by LASIK or PRK. Since dry eye is more common in perimenopausal women, incidence after LASIK/PRK is highest in this group. Other factors contributing to dry eye include medications (birth control pills, antihypertensives, and antidepressants), and diseases such as thyroid, diabetes, and arthritis. A recent study by Steve Schallhorn, MD on thousands of LASIK patients showed that the incidence of dry eye was more related to the aging process than to LASIK.
The method of performing the LASIK flap can contribute to dryness. Recent evidence indicates that a thinner flap, as performed with a femtosecond laser, such as the Visumax as used at Roholt Vision Institute causes less interference with the corneal nerves involved in tear formation. The incidence of dry eye is believed to be lower with SMILE because the laser pocket opening is smaller than LASIK. Also PRK may cause less dryness than LASIK.
Slower recovery after LASIK can be expected in dry eye patients, sometimes with a slight reversal of effect (regression). Liberal treatment with eye lubricants, mucin-enhancing vitamins, or plugging of the tear drain ducts can be helpful while the tear production recovers after surgery. Pre- or post-treatment with the Envision RF/IPL can also enhance the tear film.
If you feel you may have a problem with dryness, contact us so we can evaluate your tear quality prior to LASIK.
MICROSTRIAE (Mild: 0.05 – 0.10%, Moderate-Severe: 0.05%)
These are subtle lines in the top layer of the flap as it drapes over the area treated by the laser. Mild striae usually cause little effect on vision.
Moderate/severe striae, or “macrostriae,” are caused by squeezing, rubbing, or trauma in the early postoperative period. They can be treated and smoothed out by an experienced surgeon.
The SMILE procedure has no flap, only a small laser incision, so microstriae are unlikely. PRK has no flap and thus no microstriae are possible.
Highly Rated By Our Patients on Google.
Efficient and detailed care plan and service given
Friendly staff, modern equipment and beautiful office and rooms. It took less time than expected.
Dr. Roholt and his staff always provide top-notch care.
It was just overall a great experience.
In and out. Staff and Dr. Mathie were great. See you in 2 years.
Thoroughly professional
Always helpful and informative.
Arrived early … was taken back early … Dr. Roholt was very personable and professional.
I am a new patient and was greeted by a happy person. The whole staff was wonderfull and treated me respectively. I would recommend them for complete eye care.
Very well organized and no long wait. This was my first official visit. They did all necessary tests and explained results and answered all questions. I would definitely recommend this vision center.
I had some scar tissue removed from when I had cataract surgery. It was painless. I had a little discomfort afterwards but nothing unmanageable. I definitely can see better after the laser treatment
My husband is pleased with his appointment and the professionalism of the staff!
From the receptionist all the way through the exam and consultation to the check out, my visit was A+ The staff is friendly and accommodating. The doctors are knowledgeable, thorough, patient, and friendly. The opthamolgist-in-training was exceptional. I can’t say enough good things about this practice.
Everything excellent
Very positive all around, questions and answers all right on target. Been so for all the years from day one.
Everyone was so pleasant, efficient, and caring. I was a new patient and was seen the very next day! I would recommend them!
The staff was wonderful. This was the first time in many eye appointments (in the last few years) that my 93 year old mother with cognitive impairment had a successful physical eye exam. The doctor and student doctor won her trust and were superb in relating to her in a way she could somewhat understand. I was happy to see her smiling. This was the first time we came to this office in Alliance. We will definitely come back, LORD willing.
Very professional and took time to explain everything in detail
Explaining everything that they did and results right away in clear terms.
Your student doctor was awesome. Really enjoyed it. The people at the front were amazing. Just amazing people all around.
Staff was very friendly. Ave was wonderful and explained everything! Dr. Mathie was down to earth and answered all my questions. First impression A+.
Everyone was friendly & clear about all info.
Doctor takes his time and answers all my questions. My husband is now a patient also. We’ll never go back to Eye Care Associates.
Great staff, especially the Doctor who was knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful.
Outstanding staff Dr thorough and took his time to explain friendly place to go
Very friendly and explained things well
Friendly, helpful informative
First visit and was very impressed with the Professionalism of the staff. The doctor was very thorough and kind. I was seen in a timely manner
I always have a great experience at Dr. Roholt’s. The staff is helpful and friendly and Dr. Kubis is great!! Very knowledgeable and he explains everything down to the last detail. I get the best exam!!
Highly recommend if you’re thinking about lasik eye surgery! Very friendly atmosphere, all of the doctors are great!
Everyone was very friendly n upbeat dr was great.
very professional and a science treated as an art! I like the atmosphere if the office and respect given to the patient
Great experience informative
Everyone is so very polite and cares about what you’re experiencing, very thorough, very very nice!!!
Very professional! Monica was amazing and efficient with all the testing. Dr Celmer was very good at explaining the upcoming procedure. Kansas was very good at explaining the billing procedure and scheduling. Overall I have been very impressed with my first visit. I feel confident with the upcoming procedures.
I’ve always had such good care at this place. The staff is amazing & explain the issues with my eyes so that I can understand them. I’d recommend roholt vision to anyone. My dr has always been very kind. They’re the best!
Busy office but I was on time with each exams. Very courteous, kind and professional. Where are the employees and Dr Roholt extremely professional and friendly.
Consultation for cataracts was very smooth. Staff and Doctor were very friendly and efficient.
Love Doctor Mathie but if I'm being honest, office staff needs to be a little more professional. As a patient I, shouldn't be able to hear personal conversations, singing out loud or cackling of front desk staff. I actually saw blonde worker answer the phone laughing out loud from a conversation she was having with the other staff member. I guess I'm old school when waiting rooms were a little more professional and dignified.
Very friendly and helpful and takes the time to answer any and all questions 😊
Since I was having an issue, they had me come in immediately. Dr. Jason did not stop examining my eye until he found the problem. Everyone in the office is awesome!
Great eye center, limited wait, friendly staff and doctors, very thorough in exam.
I have been a patient at Roholt's for over 10 years and have never had a problem. They are efficient, effective and totally patient oriented. I would recommend them to anyone need advanced eye treatment.
Very professional, on time and genuinely care. Highly recommend.
Everyone were very nice and Doctor Rosholt is very thorough
Amazing staff. Amazing doctor. 100/10 !!!!
First time there, the staff was friendly and Doctor Kubis was very knowledgeable. Great experience. 😊
I’m the 3rd generation in my family to have had a procedure done by Dr Roholt. I was very near sighted and have worn glasses or contacts since i was in first grade. A little over 2 years ago i had ICL surgery and i now have 20/20 vision! It’s so nice to just wake up and see. No more contacts in contacts out everyday. Thank you Dr Roholt and team! God Bless! -David Yoder
Great experience
I appreciate everyone's kindness and prompt attention. I feel confident in their knowledge and ability to give me the most up-to-date care. I honestly look forward to my visits.
UNDER/OVERRESPONSE (2-6%)
These are not actually complications of LASIK but can require retreatment. Variation in the individual response of human tissue to the laser treatment, along with individual healing factors, is the cause. Hyperopic LASIK over/underresponse is more common than occurs in myopic lasik. Underresponse or regression of effect is more common in patients with dry eye. Retreatment is usually done after 2-3 months.
The TENEO™ is probably the most accurate and including the Zeiss MEL-80™ precision these excimer lasers have lowered the retreatment rate by 60% compared to the early generation, broad beam lasers.
DIFFUSE LAMELLAR KERATITIS (Mild: 1-3%)
Inflammation can occur under the flap. Rarely, this can be due to bacteria (infectious), but usually the cause is unknown, and may be an allergic reaction. DLK is generally mild, has little effect on vision, and resolves within 1-2 weeks when appropriately treated.
In rare cases (<0.05%) DLK can progress to central toxic keratopathy (CTK) which can result in a corneal scar, blurred vision and refractive changes.
Some of the high volume, discount laser centers have had epidemics of DLK. DLK is also more common with the use of femtosecond lasers or “bladeless, all-laser LASIK.” This is due to separation of microscopic “tissue bridges” resulting in inflammation, occasionally requiring increased steroid treatment At Roholt Vision Institute, with the solid-state Visumax laser and strict adherence to sterile technique, DLK has only been mild and sporadic, with no serious sight threatening complications.
NIGHT GLARE/HALOS (Mild: 4%, Moderate: 2%)
Some patients, especially with higher degrees of myopia have night glare/halos from car or streetlights with spectacles or contact lenses. This glare can continue after LASIK, is usually worse for 1 -2 months, then gradually resolves. A study showed that few patients had serious glare and halos after LASIK, SMILE, or ICL.* Many patients having LASIK at Roholt Vision Institute report that night driving is better than before the procedure.
Some of the serious problems with glare/halos are a result of treatment by inexperienced surgeons, where the treatment zone is off-center.
The TENEO™ 317 and Zeiss MEL-80™ laser were chosen because their use in LASIK result in a very low incidence of adverse visual symptoms.
*Quality of vision after myopic refractive surgeries: SMILE, FS-LASIK, and ICL – PubMed (nih.gov)
VISUAL DISTORTION (0.05%)
Blurred vision and double images is one of the rare complications of LASIK. This can be due to irregular healing. It was more frequent in the past in relation to broad beam lasers which created “central islands.” Sometimes retreatment can help, but generally visual distortion improves slowly, and can take 1 to 2 years or more to resolve.
LASIK with the TENEO™ 317 or Zeiss MEL-80™ laser rarely causes visual distortion because of their rapid, computer controlled scan, smooth surface treatments, and unique accurate eyetrackers. Contact us for more information on LASIK eye surgery risks and advantages of these lasers.
PRESBYOPIA (100% If > Age 45)
Presbyopia is the age-related decrease in near reading ability. We include this as one of the “complications of LASIK” because often patients don’t understand why they develop a problem with reading vision after LASIK. For a myope, the effect of presbyopia is less when wearing eyeglasses than it is with contact lenses or LASIK.
Presbyopia is treated by wearing reading glasses, or by creating monovision: one eye is left nearsighted or treated with LASIK or Conductive Keratoplasty (CK) to do the reading, and the other eye receives LASIK to see the distance. Most people are then able to adjust, or “fuse” the images to one.
CORNEAL SCAR, THIN/TORN FLAP (0.03%)
Serious scarring or flap problems causing poor vision less than 20/40 are one of the LASIK eye surgery risks, but are extremely rare at Roholt Vision Institute. Torn flaps due to tissue adhesions are rare with the Zeiss Visumax laser. Buttonhole flaps used to occur more frequently with the Microkeratome, no longer used, and are also very rare with the Visumax (0.03%). The eye may then be allowed to heal before the procedure is repeated.
The newer advances such as the Zeiss Visumax flaps, SMILE, and All-Laser LASIK as used at Roholt Vision Institute make serious complications of LASIK extremely rare, and no patients using CustomCorrection™ treatment has attained a corrected vision of less than 20/30 without a pre-existing condition.
FREE CAP (0.5%)
If the hinge of the LASIK flap goes too far, especially with flat corneas, the flap becomes a “cap.” This is not serious, as the cap can be repositioned exactly like the flap. The natural hydrostatic pressure then causes the cap to adhere immediately, same as the flap. At Roholt Vision Institute we recommend “Bladeless, All-Laser LASIK” with the Visumax™ making this complication extremely unlikely.