The number one question on people's minds when considering LASIK surgery is whether or not they will regret having it. After all, you're investing a lot of time and money into the procedure, so it's natural to want the best possible outcome. Unfortunately, reports on complications can be alarming and may not prepare you for the risks and concerns of performing the surgery.
Complication Rate
LASIK is a type of vision correction surgery that reduces the need for contact lenses and eyeglasses. However, it does have side effects such as dry eyes, glare, and night vision symptoms. In the early days of LASIK, complications were more common than they are today due to the unpredictable healing of the cornea's surface after the laser reshapes it. Thankfully, only one percent of people who have LASIK have long-term complications. LASIK is a successful surgery, but it's not for everyone. Some patients develop chronic dry eyes, and others suffer from eyelid drooping. Almost 50 percent of LASIK patients who had no visual symptoms before the surgery reported visible signs at least three months after the procedure. Most of these complications are temporary, but some may last more than six months. Thankfully, if a LASIK patient experiences any of these complications, they can receive therapeutic treatments to help alleviate the problem.
Dry Eyes
Dry eyes after LASIK are one of the most common side effects of the procedure, affecting up to 40 percent of patients. Fortunately, there are treatments available that can lessen the symptoms. A dry eye is most commonly caused by damage to the cornea's nerves which disrupts tear production, reflexes that control blinking, and tear evaporation. Symptoms may begin shortly after LASIK surgery but typically improve within 3-6 months due to changes in corneal shape. Dry eyes after LASIK can be treated with artificial tears, warm compresses, ointments, or scleral lenses. If the dry eye is accompanied by severe pain, it is essential to seek medical attention. Detailed preoperative screening is the most critical factor in preventing dry eye after LASIK. Your doctor should ask you about your health history and examine you for other risk factors such as myopia or menopause. Other causes of dry eye after LASIK include corneal nerve damage and incomplete healing of the eyes.
Night Vision Problems
Many people have questions about their night vision after LASIK. The good news is that if you've had LASIK, your night vision should improve within a few weeks or months after surgery. However, some people may experience
Night Vision Problems such as halos or starbursts around lights at night or difficulty driving in low light conditions. These symptoms can be caused by an irregularly shaped cornea or an incorrect laser treatment during surgery. If you experience night vision problems after LASIK surgery, it is important to speak with your doctor about possible treatments such as glasses or contact lenses that can help improve your vision at night. Additionally, there are medications available that can help reduce inflammation and improve night vision symptoms.
