*This article is a guideline only and is not to be construed as medical advice. Always contact your eye care doctor with questions and for treatment options. When considering LASIK eye surgery, it’s important to be well-informed about potential complications that may arise. By being aware of these complications, you can make an informed decision and better prepare yourself for the procedure.
Dry Eyes
Dry eyes are a common side effect of LASIK surgery. It typically improves within a few months, but for some people it may persist longer. Artificial tears and prescription eye drops can help alleviate the discomfort.
Glare and Halos
Another potential complication is seeing glare and halos around bright lights, especially at night; this occurs due to changes in the way light is processed by your eyes after LASIK surgery. While most people adapt to these visual disturbances over time, in some cases, they may persist. Discuss this with your surgeon during the consultation to understand your personal risk level.
Under-Correction or Over-Correction
Although LASIK is a highly effective procedure, there is a chance of under-correction or over-correction of your vision. Under-correction or over-correction both result in blurry vision and the need to still use glasses or contact lenses for all or some activities. These conditions can often be rectified through enhancement surgeries or by using corrective lenses, such as scleral lenses.
Regressive Vision Changes
As we age, our vision naturally changes. LASIK surgery does not prevent the natural aging process of the eyes. Over time, you may experience a gradual regression in the clarity of your vision. This is not a complication specific to LASIK but rather a normal part of the aging process. Regular eye check-ups with your eye care doctor can help monitor any changes and address them accordingly.
Infection and Other Rare Complications
While rare, it’s important to be aware that LASIK surgery, like any surgical procedure, carries some risk of infection. Following the post-operative instructions provided by your surgeon can help minimize this risk. Other rare complications include corneal scarring, corneal flap complications, and vision loss. It’s crucial to choose an experienced and reputable surgeon to reduce the likelihood of these rare complications.
Understanding the possible complications of LASIK eye surgery is essential to make an informed decision about the procedure. While most people experience successful outcomes, it’s important to be aware of potential risks such as dry eyes, glare, and halos, under-correction or over-correction, regressive vision changes, and rare complications. If you experience complications, there is hope. PROSE treatment has been shown to be successful in managing the effects of post-LASIK ectasia. 100% of post-LASIK ectasia patients who responded to a 2024 BostonSight survey reported improvement in eye health, vision, and quality of life after getting PROSE.
PROSE treatment uses specially designed prosthetic devices (scleral lenses) that vault over the corneal surface, creating a reservoir between the cornea and the lens. The reservoir is filled with preservative-free saline to bathe and hydrate the eye all day, providing immediate relief and comfort and promoting healing. PROSE devices also improve vision. Think of the lens as a “new” cornea, which creates the shape of a typical, healthy cornea. This allows light to enter the eye at the correct angle for excellent vision.