Are There LASIK Side Effects?

Common LASIK Side Effects: Temporary & Long-Term Concerns

Laser-assisted in Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) is a common and successful laser eye procedure that restructures the cornea to treat refractive disorders like myopia (near-sightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. It offers a simpler alternative to eyeglasses or contact lenses, with most patients achieving 20/25 vision or better. 

However, LASIK has possible risks and side effects. While most of these side effects are temporary and mild, some can be more long-lasting or, in extreme cases, severe. 

Common and Temporary Side Effects

Here are the common and temporary side effects of this surgery:

Dry Eyes

Dry eye syndrome is the most common side effect experienced by LASIK patients. The procedure temporarily diminishes tear production, causing the eyes to feel dry, scratchy, or gritty. The procedure interrupts the nerves of the cornea, which stimulates tear production. Symptoms in most patients resolve within a few months as the nerves heal. Doctors often recommend artificial tears or prescription eye drops to ease discomfort during recovery.

Visual Disturbances

Patients can have visual disturbances like glare, halos around lights, and starbursts, particularly at night. These effects are usually more noticeable in low-light conditions and are typically part of the healing process. Although these symptoms tend to resolve within a few weeks to months, some patients may have longer-lasting effects. Individuals with large pupils are potentially at greater risk for these kinds of disturbances after surgery.

Fluctuating Vision

Fluctuations in the sharpness of vision are common after LASIK. The sharpness of vision can change from day to day or even during the day. This fluctuation is usually a normal recovery process and stabilises within three to six months after surgery.

Discomfort or Pain

Mild irritation, burning, or stinging may happen shortly after the procedure. Patients may also experience the sensation of having a foreign object in the eye. Such symptoms usually last for a few days. Physicians typically order pain medication and antibiotic eye drops to treat these symptoms and avoid infection.

Less Common and Persistent Side Effects

Here are some of the less common and persistent side effects:

Under Correction, Over Correction, or Regression:

Not every patient has perfect vision following LASIK. Sometimes, your eye may not respond as much as it should to the laser (under correction) or more than it should (overcorrection). Some patients also experience regression, where vision gradually returns toward the preoperative prescription over time. These complications can require an enhancement procedure or ongoing use of glasses or contact lenses.

Corneal Ectasia

The cornea bulges outward, causing irregular vision as a result of corneal ectasia. Excess corneal tissue removal or prior corneal abnormalities can cause this. Corneal ectasia is a rare but serious LASIK complication where the cornea weakens and bulges outward, causing distorted vision. Treatment options include corneal cross-linking to strengthen the tissue, therapeutic contact lenses to improve vision, or, in severe cases, a corneal transplant to restore normal corneal structure and function.

Infection and Inflammation

Despite being performed in a sterile environment, LASIK carries minimal risk of eye infection or inflammation. These conditions can interfere with the healing process and, if not treated, can result in loss of vision. Immediate medical attention and proper postoperative care greatly minimise these risks.

Flap Complications

In LASIK, a thin flap is made in the cornea. Complications such as incomplete flaps, displaced flaps, or flap wrinkles (striae) can arise. Although these are uncommon, they can necessitate further surgical treatment and may have the potential to affect visual results.

Psychological and Emotional Impact

If their expectations are not fulfilled after surgery, some patients may experience anxiety or depression. Dissatisfaction can arise due to persistent visual disturbances, lack of relief, or complications. Thus, patients must have realistic expectations and receive proper preoperative counselling so that they understand what can be expected.

Mitigating the Risks

A thorough preoperative evaluation is essential to minimise the risk of side effects. This involves assessing corneal thickness, pupil diameter, tear function, and general eye health. Doctors may not recommend LASIK surgery for patients with autoimmune disorders, unstable vision, thin corneas, or specific eye conditions like keratoconus. 

Moreover, choosing a highly experienced surgeon and strictly following postoperative care instructions significantly reduces the risk of complications. Although LASIK eye surgery is usually safe and effective, it is not free of possible side effects. While side effects are typically temporary and manageable, some may persist or become severe.

Also Read:

→ How Long After LASIK Can I See

→ Does LASIK Permanently Fix Eyes

→ Is LASIK Surgery Very Painful

→ Is LASIK 100% Safe