Disadvantages of laser eye surgery: Doctor-medic Bányai clarifies

The disadvantages of laser eye surgery include, above all, the high costs. The costs of laser eye surgery are usually not covered by the statutory health insurance. Risks or complications during a laser procedure, on the other hand, are extremely rare.

Having your eyes lasered has many well-known advantages. Laser treatment of the eyes is a popular alternative to glasses or contact lenses: above all, it offers a long-term solution to ametropia.

Above all, this article clearly reveals the disadvantages of eye lasers. The following article is intended to provide an overview of possible risks and disadvantages.

Laser eye surgery disadvantages at a glance

The disadvantages of laser eye surgery include the financial aspect. In addition to the high costs associated with treatment in refractive surgery, not all candidates are suitable for such a procedure. Patients must meet requirements in the area of eye health and visual acuity.

Only adult spectacle wearers may have their eyes lasered – the recommendation is even only after they have reached the age of 25, since only here can it be safely assumed that the visual acuity will no longer change for the better on its own. Read more at – At what age do you start laser eye surgery?

Furthermore, the dioptres must not have changed in the two years before the operation. Speaking of diopters: In order to have a laser eye surgery, the diopter values must be in a certain range: In case of farsightedness, eyes can only be lasered up to +4 diopters. In the case of nearsightedness, the limit is a maximum of -10 diopters, in the case of a corneal curvature -5 diopters. More information about eye lasers for nearsightedness.

Diabetics are not advised to undergo laser eye surgery and pregnant and breastfeeding patients are also not allowed to undergo surgery.

The eyes must also have sufficient corneal tissue, as parts of it are removed during surgery to correct the defective vision.

After the laser eye surgery has been performed, there are low risks. For example, it can lead to inflammation, infections or, in the worst case, a rejection reaction. In severe cases, a corneal transplant may also be necessary. In addition, an over- or under-correction of the eyes can occur if the devices are set incorrectly. However, the likelihood of these hazards is extremely low.

Here is a tabular list of the risks and disadvantages of laser eye surgery described above:

• Not everyone is suitable for laser eye surgery procedures such as Femto-LASIK, SMILE® Pro (and more).
• Only possible with the acquisition of the age of majority
• High costs that are only covered by selected private health insurance companies 
• No guarantee of complete restoration of vision
• Dry eyes a few days after the procedure
• Possible infections or inflammation
• Over- and under-correction of defective vision

Possible disadvantages of laser treatment for short-sightedness

Laser eye treatment for myopia is now considered very safe and precise. As with any medical procedure, there are still possible side effects – such as temporary dry eyes, a slight sensitivity to glare at night or, in rare cases, a minimal under- or overcorrection. These effects are usually temporary or easily treatable. A careful preliminary examination is crucial to check whether the treatment is suitable for the individual. Choosing an experienced doctor and a reputable clinic can reduce the risk to a minimum.

Possible disadvantages of laser treatment for long-sightedness

The technology is now also very mature and safe in the laser treatment of farsightedness (hyperopia). In rare cases, there may be a temporary feeling of dryness or mild glare immediately after the procedure. In addition, it is possible that complete visual acuity may not be achieved immediately or may change slightly over time. These effects do not occur in everyone and are usually easy to control. It is important to clarify in advance whether the individual initial situation – such as the thickness of the cornea and the severity of farsightedness – is suitable for laser treatment.

How should advantages and disadvantages be weighed?

For most people, the benefits of laser eye treatment clearly outweigh the possible disadvantages – especially if they are suitable for the procedure and can be treated in an experienced centre.

The permanent independence of glasses or contact lenses, sharp vision in everyday life and the newfound quality of life are a big win for many. Thanks to modern technology and precise preliminary examinations, the risks are very low and usually easy to manage. Minor side effects such as dry eyes or a temporary sensitivity to glare occur occasionally, but are usually only temporary.

Can my eyes be lasered?

Use the laser eye aptitude test to find out whether you are suitable for laser eye treatment.

Costs as a big disadvantage?!

The costs and financing are a not insignificant disadvantage of eye lasers. If you decide to have laser eye surgery, you will be faced with a high cost. Although selected private health insurance companies may take over the intervention, there is no statutory insurance for the costs.

The cost per eye ranges from €795 to even €2500 depending on the method of the laser procedure. At Doctor-medic Bànyai in the Eye Laser Center in Stuttgart and Eye Laser Center in Karlsruhe, for example, the costs start at €990 per eye or from €58 for financing with a 24-month installment.

Risks of laser eye surgery

Nowadays, having your eyes lasered is an elegant method for correcting defective vision. But as with any surgical procedure, there are a few risks to be aware of with eye lasers.

Corrected visual impairment tends to last a lifetime after eye laser surgery. However, there is no guarantee of complete correction and complications may occur. Subsequent corrections are sometimes necessary.

Another disadvantage of eye lasers is possible dry eyes (usually calm down quickly) or the disturbances of contrast vision, as well as possibly developing infections or inflammation, which are very rare but possible after the procedure.

There is no significant pain with laser eye surgery; a feeling of pressure may occur during treatment. After laser eye surgery, dry eyes can be treated well with drops. How long you need to rest after laser eye surgery must be assessed individually. However, recovery usually only takes a few hours. After the operation, there are several check-ups.

Conclusion: Advantages and disadvantages of eye lasers

In summary, there are numerous advantages of laser eye surgery, and the demand is not so unfounded. Thus, many patients can report a real improvement in vision – and an associated improved quality of life.

However, you should not ignore the disadvantages of laser eye surgery and be well informed about topics such as costs, risks or the prerequisites that you have to bring with you. Because in the end, the decision is up to each person.

Read more about eye lasers:

• How much does laser eye surgery cost?
• Up to how many dioptres can be lasered?
• Can I use my mobile phone after laser eye surgery?
• The cost of laser eye surgery in Stuttgart
• Does the health insurance cover laser eye surgery?
• When can I swim after laser eye surgery?
• From what age onwards?
• The latest eye laser methods at a glance