LASIK is generally regarded as a very safe procedure with excellent results, there may be minor potential side effects, though.
Make sure you choose a center or surgeon with an excellent reputation. If you are not a candidate, this should be explained to you. Most often, serious complications arise because LASIK has been performed on individuals who are better suited to other options.
If you have questions about LASIK side effects and would like to know if LASIK is the right surgery for you, please get in touch with us at Dello Russo Laser Vision. Our dedicated and experienced ophthalmologists are on hand to advise you.
Let’s examine the side effects in detail
Please remember that these side effects are not guaranteed for each person who has LASIK surgery. In fact, many people experience no side effects at all! LASIK remains the gold standard for the permanent correction of astigmatism, nearsightedness, and farsightedness.
LASIK has been studied in detail for more than twenty years and around 300 peer-review studies show that more than 90 percent of LASIK patients are pleased with the results.
Temporary LASIK surgery side effects
The following side effects are among the most common temporary complications post-LASIK surgery:
- Difficulty with vision at night, including driving at night
- Blurred or hazy vision
- Dry eye
- A feeling of scratchiness in the eye
- A burning feeling in the eye
- Photosensitivity (light sensitivity)
- Visual disturbances
- Irritation
- Discomfort
- Pain
- Infection
- Visible pink and/or red patches on the whites of the eyes.
As a general rule, these side effects go away within a month or two after surgery. In a very small number of individuals, some of these complications may be permanent.
However, in 2017 an FDA study and analysis of LASIK data showed that the newest lasers used for the procedure have significantly reduced the risk of side effects.
Rare LASIK surgery side effects
Note that the following side effects are incredibly rare and are NOT expected after a LASIK eye surgery:
- Significant loss of vision
- Flap complications
- Regression
- Under correction
- Over correction
- Distorted vision
Most of these serious complications are the result of an error in creating the flap or reshaping the cornea. The good news is that these side effects after LASIK can be remedied with prompt medical care or a remedial laser surgery to correct the error.
To carry out a LASIK surgery, the surgeon must create a flap in the cornea. If this is not done well, complications can result. This highlights the need for patients to choose a LASIK center or surgeon with vast experience and the latest technology.
Once again, we remind you that serious LASIK side effects are EXTREMELY rare.
Not everyone is a LASIK candidate!
It is important to understand that not everyone is a LASIK candidate. Before undergoing a LASIK surgery, your eyes should be fully examined by an ophthalmologist. Only those who fulfil a set of strict criteria must be offered this surgery as an option.
So, it is really crucial that you choose a good and reputable ophthalmologist to avoid serious LASIK side effects.
