Laser Vision Correction Side Effects
Laser eye surgery, like any form of surgery, is not without its share of potential side effects. The procedure is performed under the assumption that it will significantly reduce your dependence upon corrective lenses. However, because everyone's eyes are different, they respond and heal differently.
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Dry Eyes
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Some patients experience dryness or grittiness in their eyes after getting laser eye surgery. Most dry eye cases subside in a few weeks after the operation. Some patients might have had an issue with dry eyes prior to the operation, and it might be exacerbated by the surgery. You should let your eye doctor know whether you experience dry eyes before you undergo surgery, because he might be able to perform a quick procedure that blocks your tear drainage canals, preventing tears from draining as quickly.
Glare, Halos
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When the pupil recognizes that its surroundings are dark, it dilates and scatters peripheral light rays before they reach the retina. This results in the appearance of glare and halos. Some patients with corrective lenses see glare and halos in their vision, especially during night driving. However, surgery might make these visual effects more prominent for a few weeks. Most of these issues should subside within six weeks. Some patients are eligible for enhancement procedures, while others might be treated with prescription eye drops.
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Central Islands
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Sometimes, after laser surgery, vision is negatively affected by ghost images or other visual disturbances. One common culprit of this is something called a central island. A central island is a small raised portion of the treatment zone that does not receive as much laser energy as the surrounding tissue. Most of the time, central islands will go away on their own within several months, but some require additional laser treatment.
Corneal Flap Issues
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Post-operative corneal flap problems will arise, but only rarely. The flap might shift or become dislodged during or a few days after the procedure, causing vision problems. However, most corneal flap complications are easily fixed with repositioning techniques and will not cause any additional long-term issues for the patient.
Regression
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Regression occurs when the eyes revert slightly toward their original prescription. This occasionally happens to patients who are particularly near-sighted, far-sighted or have a larger astigmatism than most people. There are enhancement procedures that might be able to address regression problems within six months following the original operation. Sometimes, glasses for night driving might be the best remedy for a patient who experiences vision regression.
Infection
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Infection is rare. It is avoided in the surgical room with the use of sterile surgical equipment, and you will be given antibiotic drops to keep your eyes safe after the operation. You will also be fully informed of behaviors that increase your risk of post-operative infection. You should avoid eye makeup, hot tubs and swimming pool water for the first week or so. Follow-up appointments will keep you in touch with a doctor who can make sure your eyes are healing properly.
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