LASIK eye surgery is a common form of vision correction surgery that can help you minimize your dependence on corrective lenses or glasses. A specially designed laser is used to trim the surface of the cornea so that light can be more accurately focused on the retina. While the procedure can effectively improve the vision of most patients, be sure to learn about the side effects of LASIK eye surgery before you make a decision about whether or not to have the procedure.
As with any surgical procedure, there are lasik eye surgery side effects. Many of these effects may resolve during the recovery phase, while others may need further treatment. Understanding the consequences of these risks and side effects and what the recovery process involves, and why eye exams are essential can help you understand these risks.
What Are the Common LASIK Eye Surgery Side Effects?
While most of the side effects after LASIK are temporary, some may last longer depending on your eye health. Your eye surgeon can tell you which side effects are likely for you.
1. Dry Eyes
Dry eyes are one of the most common side effects of LASIK eye surgery. Dryness, irritation, a burning feeling, or a sensation that something is in your eye can occur after the surgery. This occurs because LASIK eye surgery temporarily interferes with the nerves of the cornea, which help control tear production.
These may resolve on their own. To help get through a dry eye period, your ophthalmologist may suggest lubricating eye drops and other treatments.
2. Glare and Halos Around Lights
You may observe a glare or starbursts around lights, especially at night. This may be an inconvenience or distraction when driving at night during the early healing process.
For most people, these symptoms tend to resolve as their eyes recover. However, symptoms of night vision problems can be persistent or worsen and should be evaluated by an eye care professional.
3. Blurred or Fluctuating Vision
Vision might be blurry or unstable immediately after surgery. Some patients have a challenge focusing at various distances for a short time.
Avoiding head trauma and keeping follow-up appointments with your doctor can also ensure your eyes are healing properly. If you experience any sudden decrease in vision or if your vision does not improve within the anticipated time, be sure to consult your eye doctor.
4. Light Sensitivity
Your eyes may be more sensitive to light for a while after surgery. You may feel uncomfortable with the glare of sun, headlights and brightly lit environments.
Light sensitivity may be reduced with wearing sunglasses and the use of the recommended eye drops, if advised to do so. Further precautions can be taken with your doctor if light sensitivity continues.
5. Eye Irritation and Discomfort
You might experience some mild irritation, watering or gritty sensation following surgery. This should clear in the first instance, but not rub or press on the eye as they recover.
By following the postoperative care routine that your eye specialist asks you to, you can prevent a lot of post-surgical eye problems.
What Are the Less Common Risks of LASIK Eye Surgery?
While adverse events are rare, individuals should be aware that LASIK provides no assurance of absolute vision correction and offers no protection against potential future eye issues.
Under-correction or Over-correction
On occasion, your vision may be overcorrected or undercorrected with the laser treatment. This may result in a patient having residual nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism.
Glasses, contact lenses, or other procedures might be considered in some cases. Additional treatment can be considered only when the eye has settled, and the surgeon has assessed that it's safe to proceed.
Infection and Inflammation
LASIK can lead to infection or inflammation, which are uncommon and can be minimised through good hygiene, medication and follow-up care.
Rising pain, deterioration of redness or discharge, or a sudden decrease in vision should be checked by an eye specialist as soon as possible.
Corneal Ectasia
Corneal ectasia is a rare but serious potential complication where the cornea begins to thin or alter shape and compromise your vision. Corneal ectasia is more likely if you have certain pre-existing corneal conditions or if there has been patient selection.
A comprehensive preoperative eye exam that includes specific measurement of the cornea, as well as imaging studies when indicated, can often help determine the best candidate for LASIK.
What is the duration of side effects from LASIK Eye Surgery?
Results are variable. Most patients will experience improved vision within a day or two; however, it may take longer for the final, sharpest vision to develop.
Due to the healing process, the feeling of dryness, sensitivity to light, glare, and varying vision may persist for many weeks, or even months, depending on each individual, the condition of the dry eye prior to surgery, the refractive error, and more.
Ensure to keep all scheduled follow-up appointments and use your eye drops as directed. Do not rub your eyes. Consult your surgeon about when it is permissible to resume activities such as swimming, using eye make-up, or playing contact sports.
Who May Not Be Eligible for LASIK Eye Surgery?
LASIK cannot be performed on everyone, and an eye doctor will need to have a look at your eyes, your eyesight, and overall eye health to see if you are a good candidate.
Factors that may affect suitability include:
The Eyewear Prescription is Not Stable.
A thin or irregular cornea.
Significant dry-eye disease.
Certain corneal disorders, including keratoconus.
Others that interfere with healing, like some uncontrollable medical conditions or meds.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding, when hormones can temporarily alter vision and limit treatment options.
If a patient is not a good candidate for LASIK, alternatives may be considered based on the patient's condition.
How to Minimise Your Chances of LASIK Complications
While noprocedureis withoutits risks, there are some ways to help make the treatment process as safe as possible.
Select an experienced eye surgeon: Find a specialist who is a well-educated ophthalmologist that specialises in refractive surgery.
Perform a comprehensive eye exam: Evaluations need to measure your prescription, corneal thickness and shape, tear film quality, and other elements that influence surgical candidacy.
Share your past eye history: Describe existing eye conditions, medications, past eye procedures, and any history of dry eyes.
Adhere to postoperative care: apply the eye drops as directed by your doctor, keep your scheduled appointment to monitor healing, and do not rub your eyes.
Be informed about the potential outcomes: discuss the possible benefits, the risks involved, other options, the time it will take to recover, whether you will require glasses, and if further treatment will be required.
When Should You Contact an Eye Doctor After LASIK?
Mild dry eyes and transient visual changes are common following the procedure. But there are some symptoms you should pay attention to.
Get immediate medical attention if you have any sudden loss of vision or marked decrease in vision, intense or progressively worsening pain in the eye, increasing redness, abnormal discharge, or rapidly worsening visual problems. Do not wait until your next scheduled appointment.
It may be early and may be able to identify complications and whether treatment is needed.