Yes, like any surgical procedure, LASIK eye surgery can have side effects. While most people experience excellent results, it's important to be aware of the potential temporary and, in rare cases, long-term issues.
LASIK is generally considered a safe and effective procedure for correcting vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. However, certain side effects are common after the surgery.
Common Temporary Side Effects
Many individuals undergoing LASIK experience temporary side effects that typically resolve within a few weeks or months. These are generally not considered long-term problems.
- Dry Eyes: This is one of the most frequently reported side effects. Patients may experience a gritty feeling, itching, burning, or blurred vision due to insufficient tear production. This is often managed with lubricating eye drops.
- Temporary Visual Problems:
- Glare: Increased sensitivity to light, often experiencing a bright, uncomfortable sensation from light sources.
- Halos: Rings or circles of light appearing around bright objects, especially at night.
- Starbursts: Streaks or rays extending outward from light sources.
- Double Vision (Ghosting): Seeing two overlapping images, which usually improves as the eyes heal.
These visual disturbances are most noticeable in low-light conditions or at night and generally diminish significantly as the eyes recover.
Less Common or Persistent Side Effects
While most side effects are temporary, a small percentage of patients may experience issues that last longer or require further intervention.
- Undercorrection or Overcorrection: Sometimes, the laser removes too little or too much tissue, resulting in vision that isn't perfectly corrected.
- Undercorrection might mean you still need glasses or contact lenses for some activities.
- Overcorrection can lead to new vision problems, such as farsightedness.
- In some cases, an additional "enhancement" procedure (retreatment) can address this, but not everyone is a candidate.
- Flap Complications: Although rare with modern techniques, problems can occur with the hinged flap created during the procedure. These can include:
- Irregular Astigmatism: The flap heals unevenly, causing distorted or blurred vision.
- Epithelial Ingrowth: Cells from the outer layer of the cornea grow under the flap.
- Increased Sensitivity to Light (Photophobia): While common initially, persistent light sensitivity can be bothersome for some.
- Loss of Best Corrected Vision: In very rare cases, some individuals might find that even with glasses or contact lenses, their vision after LASIK is not as clear as it was before the surgery.
Understanding the Risks
Before undergoing LASIK, a thorough evaluation by an ophthalmologist is crucial to determine if you are a suitable candidate and to discuss potential risks specific to your eyes. Modern LASIK technology and experienced surgeons have significantly reduced the incidence of serious complications.
Here's a summary of common side effects and their typical duration:
| Side Effect | Description | Typical Duration | Management |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Eyes | Feeling of dryness, irritation, or foreign body sensation. | Weeks to months, sometimes longer. | Lubricating eye drops, punctal plugs. |
| Glare, Halos, Starbursts | Visual disturbances around lights, especially at night. | Weeks to months. | Usually resolves as healing progresses. |
| Blurred/Hazy Vision | Temporary reduced clarity or haziness in vision. | Days to weeks. | Improves with healing. |
| Light Sensitivity | Discomfort or pain from bright lights. | Days to weeks. | Wearing sunglasses, avoiding direct bright lights. |
| Undercorrection/Overcorrection | Vision not fully corrected or excessively corrected. | Can be long-term. | Possible enhancement surgery, glasses/contacts. |
For more detailed information on LASIK safety and outcomes, you can consult reputable sources like the American Academy of Ophthalmology or the Mayo Clinic.
