At Black Hills Regional Eye Institute in Rapid City, LASIK surgery is performed in a state-of-the-art surgical center that meets or exceeds all standards of safety and cleanliness. Part of the reason for our outstanding record of success in performing laser eye surgery is that we put the safety of our patients above all else. Before recommending LASIK, we carefully screen potential candidates, allowing only the most qualified to pass through. We then provide candidates with all of the information they need to make an informed, confident decision regarding their care, making sure that they understand their responsibilities in ensuring a healthy recovery.
Nevertheless, infection is a risk of any surgical procedure, no matter how safe and no matter where it is performed. LASIK is no exception. We advise patients of all known risks associated with LASIK, including infection, so that they have the full story regarding the procedure. It is our opinion that the best patient is an educated patient, and we do everything we can to provide our patients with a thorough education regarding the procedures they are considering.
Patients who do decide to undergo LASIK can rest assured that we will provide them with medical care of the most surpassing quality, minimizing their risks and giving them the highest odds of achieving the best results possible.
The Risk of Infection Is Extremely Low
Even in the earliest days of LASIK, post-surgical infection was extremely rare and unlikely. As the procedure has become safer over the years, incidents of infection have decreased. Currently, LASIK has the lowest rate of infection of any form of laser eye surgery, including PRK (which, it should be noted, also has a very low risk of infection).
At Black Hills Regional Eye Institute, we feature the most advanced technology in ophthalmology, including the extraordinary IntraLase® System. IntraLase® allows us to offer a completely blade-free, all-laser variation of LASIK, further minimizing the risk of infection.
Why Is the Risk of Infection Even Lower with Blade-free LASIK?
In conventional LASIK, a handheld device with an oscillating blade called a microkeratome is used to create a flap in the cornea, through which the reshaping of the underlying corneal tissue takes place. While the microkeratome is very safe and sterile, it is still a blade that comes into contact with the eye. Conversely, the IntraLase® System allows us to create the corneal flap with a remarkably precise laser that makes the cleanest, most uniform incision possible. By eliminating the blade from LASIK, the IntraLase® System helps to reduce the risk of infection.
Be Sure to Follow Post-op Instructions
Once you have undergone LASIK, the surest way to avoid infection is to follow the post-op instructions with which we provide you to the letter. These instructions will include the avoidance of:
- Smoke
- Makeup
- Dust
- Water directly in the eyes
- Rubbing the eyes
To learn more about the risk of infection after LASIK and how it can be minimized at our eye care practice, please contact Black Hills Regional Eye Institute today.
