Final answer:
A possible change in the iris that may affect eye color is not a side effect or negative consequence of LASIK surgery. LASIK is a procedure to correct refractive errors by reshaping the cornea with laser ablation. While side effects like infection, undercorrection, and loss of improvement can occur, altering eye color is not associated with LASIK. Therefore, the correct option is a).
Step-by-step explanation:
Haley is contemplating whether to undergo LASIK (Laser-Assisted in situ Keratomileusis) surgery to correct her nearsightedness. LASIK is a surgical procedure that uses a laser to permanently change the shape of the cornea, thereby correcting refractive errors such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. The surgery involves reshaping the cornea by laser ablation, which must be carefully assessed and is computer controlled for precision.
Regarding potential side effects or negative consequences of LASIK, a number of them are possible, such as loss of improvement over time, infection, worse vision, and undercorrection. However, change in the iris that may affect eye color is not typically considered a side effect or negative consequence of the procedure. The iris is the colored portion of the eye that controls the diameter and size of the pupils and is not usually affected by the LASIK procedure.
For those undergoing LASIK, certain side effects like infection, undercorrection, or regression can occur. Infection can arise as with any surgery where the integrity of a tissue is breached. Undercorrection occurs when the amount of laser ablation is insufficient, requiring an additional LASIK procedure or the use of glasses or contact lenses. Over time, some patients might experience a gradual regression in the improvement of vision or necessitate repeat procedures.
Additionally, patients with a high degree of correction may have a poorer chance of achieving normal distant vision, owing to a fixed percent uncertainty in the reshaping of the cornea through LASIK. For example, a myopic patient whose eye power is reduced by 9.00 diopters (D) with a ±5.0% uncertainty may still require spectacle lenses within that range of uncertainty post-procedure. Greater corrections increase this range, adding to the likelihood of postoperative visual imperfection. With all these considerations in mind, the correct response to Haley's question about which is not a negative consequence of LASIK surgery is option A: possible change in the iris that may affect eye color.