Are there any side effects from LASIK?

lasik surgery


LASIK laser vision correction is a permanent way of altering a patient’s vision so that you are much less or no longer reliant on eyeglasses or contact lenses to see clearly. It works by changing the shape of the front window of the eye, known as the cornea, so that light is refracted more accurately. This enables the image that the retina sends to your brain to be viewed with much greater clarity.

LASIK can be successfully used to correct vision problems including:​​​​​​​​​​​​​​


Myopia

Myopia is the most common refractive error in patients and the number of patients suffering from the condition is increasing, something which experts attribute to the increased amount of time that we spend looking at the screens of computers and smartphones. Patients with myopia can see objects that are close quite clearly but struggle to focus on those that are far away.

Hyperopia

Hyperopia affects around a fourth of the U.S. population. Patients with hyperopia generally find it easier to focus on things in the distance and struggle to see those that are in close proximity to their eyes, such as a magazine or the screen of their smartphone.


Astigmatism

Patients who suffer from astigmatism have corneas which are shaped like an American football rather than a soccer ball. This means that light is focused at more than one place in the eye and blurred vision occurs.


Potential Side effects from LASIK

As with most procedures, there are some side effects that can occur as a result of LASIK laser eye surgery.

Dry eyes after LASIK

The most common side effect from LASIK is a condition known as dry eyes. Dry eyes are characterized by a number of symptoms which include:

  • Dry, scratchy eyes

  • Eyes that feel sore and may look a little red and swollen

  • A ‘stiff’ feeling when you try to move your eyes

  • Blurred vision

Dry eyes after LASIK occur because there has been a temporary disruption in the production of natural tear film. This fluid is created by the lacrimal gland and is a complex mixture of oils, proteins and antibodies that are designed to keep the eyes healthy and functioning properly. In most cases, the problem will resolve itself within a few weeks of your surgery, but in the meantime, you may be given eyedrops to mimic this natural lubrication and make your eyes more comfortable.

If eye drops are not providing sufficient relief from your symptoms, there are several other treatments that your LASIK surgeon may recommend including topical lotions and tiny plugs which can be placed into the tear ducts to prevent your tear film from draining away too quickly.

Temporary visual disturbances after LASIK

Although LASIK is designed to correct your vision, a small number of patients do experience a temporary range of visual disturbances in the first few days or weeks after their laser eye surgery. These tend to occur primarily at night when glare from other lights, halos around bright lights or double vision may occurs. Again, this usually fades and disappears completely once your eyes have fully healed.

Potential Complications from LASIK

Fortunately, complications from LASIK are very rare and the risks of experiencing any issues after your LASIK laser eye surgery diminish by following the aftercare advice and instructions given to you by your LASIK surgeon. Your surgeon will speak to you ahead of your procedure about the types of potential complications that you should be aware of.

Every patient will have their suitability for LASIK assessed on an individual basis. If you are found to have certain conditions that could make the outcome of your surgery less predictable or put you at increased risk of complications, you may not be a good candidate for the procedure.

Our experienced eye doctor, Dr. Ahdoot, is committed to enhancing the vision of his patients through superior ophthalmic care. If you would like to arrange a consultation to discuss whether you are a suitable candidate for LASIK laser eye surgery, please get in touch with our office in Sunnyside, Queens, NY today.