The most serious complication long-term complication of LASIK surgery has been keratectasia. Keratectasia is progressive thinning and distortion of the cornea resulting in anthing from mild to severe astigmatism. This can occur when the early stages of "conical cornea" or keratoconus are not detected prior to surgery. The Orbscan II at Fendalton Eye Clinic is the most sensitive method currently available for detection of early keratoconus or subtle abnormalities of the cornea.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) does not close properly and stomach contents leak back, or reflux, into the esophagus. The LES is a ring of muscle at the bottom of the esophagus that acts like a valve between the esophagus and stomach. The esophagus carries food from the mouth to the stomach. When refluxed stomach acid touches the lining of the esophagus, it causes a burning sensation in the chest or throat called heartburn.

Sight threatening complications are fortunately rare with refractive surgery, and PRK is no exception. However, PRK tends to be a process that heals slowly, allowing visual recovery to be more slow than with Lasik procedures. On the other hand, LASIK procedures are more technically complex and can have complications related to this. A full list of side effects of these procedures is available from Dr. Denman's office.

Minority populations are especially prone to developing kidney disease due to the higher incidence of high blood pressure. of people with diabetes have some form of nerve damage. When the nerves and blood supply are severely affected than lower limb amputations can occur. Due to the lack of blood supply to the penis and nerve damage, many men with diabetes have problem with sexual performance. Control of blood sugar and blood pressure can help diabetes induced impotence

Nobody knows if there are significant long-term (beyond 10 years) adverse effects from LASIK. However, the scientific community does not foresee any significant long-term adverse effects. The flap-making technology has been available since the late 1940's. The excimer laser has been available since the early 1980's. Neither have shown long-term problems so it is unlikely their combined use in LASIK will cause long-term problems. Eye doctors have tremendous confidence in the procedure.

far as medical science can determine at this time, there are no long-term complications associated with vasectomy. Recent reports in the lay press have focused attention on scientific studies that raise the question of an increased risk of heart disease or an increased risk of prostate cancer. The current consensus is there is no clear proven risk between vasectomy and other health conditions.

LASIK surgery has been performed since 1991 in Europe, and is based on another vision correction technique that has been used for more than 40 years. For many years, various clinical studies have been performed and each has failed to demonstrate any long-term harmful effects on the cornea.

LASIK has been common in many countries around the world since the late 1980s. In addition, many clinical studies have looked at the long-term effects of the Excimer laser on the cornea. Studies performed so far have indicated that there are no long-term negative effects of the laser on the eye's integrity or strength when performed within the guidelines. Today, most experts around the world are confident that they will discover no long-term problems with LASIK.

Medical researchers have been following LASIK patients for 15 years and have uncovered no detrimental long-term effects. The corneal flap procedure has been practiced widely since the 1980s with no long-term complications found. In view of these findings, we have confidence in these procedures, but it is not possible to guarantee that some rare problems may develop in the future.

Yes. There can be possible long-term complications with both types of ear infections if not treated properly. The list of complications that can arise from improperly treated swimmer's ear are chronic otitis externa, narrowing of the ear canal that would affect hearing and future infections, facial infections, and, in the immune challenged, malignant otitis externa.

Gastric bypass patients must be willing to subscribe to life-long medical monitoring, adhere to significantly modified eating habits and take long-term vitamin and mineral supplements to overcome the micro-nutrient deficiencies caused by malabsorption.

with any surgery, there is a risk of complications after hip replacement surgery. However, they are quite rare… driving on an Interstate highway is probably more dangerous. To reduce the risk of infection, we take special precautionary measures in the operating room, and use powerful antibiotics. Our personnel are limited to fully trained and experienced nurses and technicians.

The Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (Rygb)and the Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS) both carry a very small possibility for nutritional problems which can be avoided. Therefore it is very important that you take your vitamin and mineral supplements everyday and have your laboratory tests checked as instructed. The gastric band carries no nutritional risk, but we recommend a daily multivitamin.

LASIK surgery is known for having a particularly quick recovery, partly because the flap acts as a natural bandage for the cornea. Patients can usually return to work in a day or two, although it is best to take a few days off and take it easy to allow proper healing. One should wait a week or two before recommencing strenuous activities, and at least a month or more before contact sports.

LASIK was first performed in Europe in 1991 and in New Zealand in 1995. IntraLase LASIK was first performed in 2001 and in New Zealand in 2006.