Lasik Laser Vision Surgery and its Side Effects

Lasik laser vision correction procedures help enable a patient to become less dependent, if at all, on corrective glasses or contact lenses. Most people who have the surgery done go from fully relying on corrective lenses in order to see clearly to having near perfect vision within a matter of minutes. However, all procedures come with risks and Lasik is no different.

The use of a specialized cold beam laser to reshape the cornea of the eye providing clear vision is involved in the Lasik laser vision correction procedure. There are many side effects associated with this procedure that the patient should be aware of.  

The most common side effect is that the dependency on corrective lenses is still there, even after the surgery. Sometimes lenses are needed for night driving, reading or in some cases, all the time. Although additional lenses may be needed, they are often of a weaker prescription than what was used prior to the surgery. Although they can do things to treat it, the effect may never go away completely.  

People with severe nearsightedness or farsightedness are at a higher risk of needing additional support from corrective lenses after surgery than those with typical or minor vision problems. Patients will need to have an understanding of realistic expectations for the surgery prior to committing to Lasik laser vision correction.  

A person should consider all the possible negative repercussions of Lasik laser vision correction. After having the surgery done some patients may experience halos, glares, or even double vision. This is most commonly noted during nighttime and associated with night driving.

One of the risks with Lasik laser vision correction is dry eye, or keratoconjunctivitis sicca, also known as KCS.   The laser severs some of the nerves in the eye as it repairs the shape of the cornea during the Lasik procedure. The nerves typically repair themselves over time however, for some, permanent damage may occur, resulting in dry eye as the nerves are unable to transmit the information that causes the tear ducts to product tears when the eye is too dry. This issue may be controlled using medicated drops long term yet sight might be impaired because of dry eye and irritation.

A small percentage of Lasik laser eye correction patients are diagnosed with an infection as a result of the surgery. This is often easily controlled and cured with oral and topical medications and rarely occurs. For example, a Northern California eye surgery center makes available classes with an eye doctor in Stockton for Lasik eye surgery in Stockton so the patient is informed week’s before making an appoitnent.

Smoky vision is the standard side effect most people have once they come out of surgery. Smoky vision often diminishes several hours after Lasik surgery has been performed. Small irritation is also an effect and a lot of the times is described as a grain of sand in your eye. This is also temporary and will resolve itself in a few days.

Comprehending common Lasik laser eye correction risks can assist in enabling individuals to make an educated choice regarding the surgery. Other side effects and risks will be talked about with the eye care laser surgeon and provider throughout counseling before getting Lasik surgery. Evaluating the risks may assist in figuring out whether someone’s a Lasik Laser vision correction candidate, or not.