If you are considering LASIK eye surgery, take the time and expend the energy to become fully informed about the procedure. This means reading the literature, as well as asking questions of the surgeon, so that you have a realistic expectation of the results, a solid grasp of the surgical technique and an understanding of risks and possible complications.

As a LASIK patient, you should draw up a clear, definitive list of personal goals for the vision improvements you seek, including things you wish to do better, more comfortably and without glasses or contact lenses. You should also listen carefully as your doctor explains the kinds and levels of discomfort you may feel during and after the procedure, the amount of healing time needed and specific risks regarding the procedures. Don't forget that you might have special considerations because of your diagnosis, age, recreational activities, job requirements or other individual factors.

As far as the main risks involved, post-operative infection is by far the most feared complication. However, it is now extremely rare and, as with any surgery, it is avoided with the use of proper surgical technique. It is also essential to avoid any contact with eye makeup, face creams, lotions, and the water in hot tubs and swimming pools, for at least the first post-operative week.

Your major defenses against infection, of course, are good general health and diet, proper use of the prescribed antibiotic drops and going to all of your follow up visits, even if you feel fine. You will likely be able to prevent infection by following all of your post-operative instructions. In the rare instances where it occurs, infection appears in the first 36 to 72 hours after surgery.

Because people are different, you may not respond in the usual way to the laser. This difference in physiological response is hardly noticeable, but sometimes it can result in either undercorrection or overcorrection of your vision problem. In rare instances this can be permanent, but it is normally temporary. Your LASIK surgeon will monitor you for this, as it takes up to three months after your LASIK procedure for the under- or overcorrection to show.

Although very unusual, it is possible for astigmatism to be "induced" following LASIK surgery, causing blurred vision. Rest assured, astigmatism can be corrected easily. If your new, corrected vision does not meet your expectations after the initial procedure, it may be due to overcorrection, undercorrection or induced astigmatism, and be corrected by what is called a LASIK "enhancement" procedure.

Another common risk is that you will experience a feeling of "gritty" or dry eyes following LASIK surgery. For the most part, this condition often clears up by itself within the first few months, although lubricating eye drops help your eyes heal and decrease these symptoms. Of course, if you have a history of dry eyes, you should tell your doctor so that he or she can make a thorough evaluation prior to the LASIK surgery.

At times, the LASIK surgery can cause a small corneal abrasion. Good surgical technique and moistened eyes generally prevent this, but it occurs in a small number of procedures because the surface cells of some people's eyes may not adhere well. In very few cases, there may be ongoing "erosion" of the cornea necessitating further treatment, but long-term effects are rare.

There are other, less common risks and complications whose potential for occurring in your particular case depend on your unique medical history and physiology. These additional complications have any number of causes and effects, so your best defense is a thorough work-up in preparation for LASIK eye surgery and careful attention to any unique, pre-existing problems or conditions you may have. This means anything, big or small, that could affect the outcome of your LASIK procedure.