Before we discuss the Lasik side effects, it’s important to know one thing: Complications and side effects are not the same. Complications, by definition, are unexpected, unintended results. In the context of eye surgery, complications can cause permanent damage to vision. Complications of Lasik are serious, and very rare. Side effects, on the other hand, is a word that encompasses all that can happen from a medical treatment that wasn’t originally intended. These may be serious and long lasting, but usually, aren’t. Most of the common side effects of Lasik are actually self-limiting, and do not require an intervention.
So when you Google side effects of Lasik, be wary of these two terms being used interchangeably, because they aren’t. Moreover, make sure you discuss any concerns that you have about Lasik side effects or complications with your eye surgeon. She is the best person to answer your questions, especially in the context of your eye health and vision needs.
That said, this article will talk of the common side effects of Lasik, so you can take an informed decision about the surgery. In fact, since forewarned is forearmed, you will also face few surprises after your surgery.
What are the common LASIK side effects?
Remember, modern LASIK is one of the safest eye surgeries today. You will, however, experience certain side effects. These side effects are a part of the normal healing process. This means that during the recovery period you may experience side effects like glare, halos, and ghost images. You will, almost invariably, experience some degree of dry eye also.
While these generally go away over time without treatment, sometimes, your doctor may advise eye drops to keep you comfortable.
How safe is Lasik?
Lasik, and especially its modern day variants of premium laser eye surgery, is extremely safe and effective for spectacle removal. As on date, over 40 million Lasik procedures have been performed worldwide, since 1991. While all of this data is not on file, here is what we know from this vast experience/
Dry Eye
As many as 30% of patients experience dry eye symptoms in the first three months after surgery. This may be due to several reasons. Firstly, laser eye surgery side results in a temporary decrease in tear production. Additionally, during healing of the corneal flap, the tear films tend to “break-up” faster resulting in discomfort.
Your doctor will, therefore, usually prescribe lubricating eye drops for this duration.
Other visual disturbances
You may experience glare, halos, or ghost images for up to the first one year after surgery. Your doctor will suggest eye drops, especially tear supplements. This is because dry eye aggravates these symptoms.
Light sensitivity
Your eyes may be sensitive to light in the immediate post-operative period. This aversion to light may last for a few days. For this reason, your doctor will advise dark glasses for a few days, especially when you step out in the sun.
Fluctuations in vision and haze
Your vision will stabilize in about a month after Lasik. During this time, you may experience changes in your vision. While this may be distressing, it is important to remember that this side effect is also self-limiting.
Residual Refractive Error
You may require glasses, contact lenses or additional LASIK treatment to attain perfect vision. While only 5 out of 100 patients require this, it’s good to be aware of this phenomenon.
Conditions that can increase risk of Lasik side effects
Your doctor will ask you questions about your general health and perform a comprehensive eye evaluation before discussing the risks and benefits of Lasik. Here is a list of conditions which may compromise your eventual Lasik experience. Please make sure to discuss them with your doctor.
- Autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis, SLE, Sjogren’s syndrome
- Eye inflammations like recurrent uveitis, chronic allergic conjunctivitis, herpetic eye infections
- Dry eye
- Any immunosuppression due to medications or HIV, especially if you have had an organ transplant
- If you are pregnant, or plan to be, or if you are breast feeding
