Does LASIK Hurt Night Vision?

LASIK Surgery & Night Vision: Temporary Changes & Solutions

No, LASIK typically does not cause any permanent pain or damage to your night vision. Some folks might experience temporary changes, such as glare, halos, or starbursts around lights when it is dark. These effects are just part of the healing journey and usually fade away within a few weeks or months. In rare instances, some issues might linger a bit longer, but they can often be handled with proper follow-up care.

What is LASIK?

LASIK, which stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, is a popular surgery for correcting vision by reshaping the cornea to address refractive errors. This procedure has helped millions of people around the globe see more clearly. However, many individuals worry about how their night vision might be affected when thinking about getting LASIK. So, let’s find out what actually happens to night vision after undergoing this procedure.

What Changes Might You Notice at Night?

After LASIK, the eye needs time to heal. During this period, some people report difficulty seeing clearly in dim or low-light environments. Common temporary symptoms include:

• Halos: Rings of light around bright sources like headlights or streetlamps.
• Glare: Light scatter that can make it harder to focus.
• Starbursts: Bright points of light that seem to spread out in all directions.

These are usually mild and go away on their own as healing continues.

Why Do These Effects Happen?

Changes in night vision after LASIK often occur because of:

• Corneal healing: The reshaped cornea takes time to stabilise and may not bend light perfectly right away
• Pupil Size: In the dark, pupils expand. If they become larger than the area treated during surgery, some light may enter through the untreated edges, causing visual distortions.
• Tear Film Disruption: Dry eyes after LASIK can also lead to blurry or unclear vision, especially at night

Who Is More Likely to Face These Issues?

Not everyone has the same experience. The following factors can increase the chance of night vision side effects:

• Very high prescriptions
• Naturally large pupils
• Thin corneas or existing eye conditions
• Dry eyes before surgery

However, an eye surgeon checks all of these during the consultation to make sure LASIK is suitable for you.

How Long Do These Symptoms Last?

For most people:

• Mild symptoms disappear within a few weeks
• Full night vision recovery takes about 3 to 6 months
• Persistent issues may need additional treatment or enhancement procedures

Regular follow-up appointments help track healing and ensure all concerns are addressed early.

How to Reduce the Risk of Night Vision Problems?

There are several ways to reduce the chances of experiencing night vision side effects:

●  Choose advanced LASIK technology

a. Wavefront-guided LASIK maps the eye’s surface in detail for more accurate results.
b. Bladeless LASIK uses laser precision to improve safety and healing.

●  Follow post-surgery care strictly

a. Use prescribed eye drops
b. Avoid rubbing your eyes
c. Wear sunglasses when stepping out

●  Stay honest during your consultation

a. Share any past eye conditions
b. Tell your doctor about dry eyes or low-light vision issues

When Should You Be Concerned?

Night vision effects should gradually get better. However, seek medical help if you notice:

• Worsening symptoms after the first month
• No improvement even after 6 months
• Sudden blurriness, pain, or discomfort

In such cases, your eye surgeon may recommend enhancement surgery or other solutions like night driving glasses.
LASIK does not usually cause lasting night vision problems. While temporary issues like glare or halos are common during healing, they often fade with time. Choosing a skilled surgeon, undergoing proper screening, and following post-surgery care can all help ensure a smooth and successful outcome.

Also Read:

→ Can Vision Go Bad After LASIK

→ Does LASIK Change Eye Colour

→ Can You Blink During LASIK

→ Are There LASIK Side Effects