1. Dry Eyes
One of the most common side effects of LASIK surgery is dry eyes. After the procedure, the eyes may not produce enough tears to keep them properly lubricated. This can cause discomfort, irritation, and a gritty sensation in the eyes. While most cases of dry eyes are temporary and can be managed with artificial tears or eye drops, there is a small risk of developing chronic dry eyes.
2. Visual Disturbances
Some patients may experience visual disturbances after LASIK eye surgery. These disturbances can include glare, halos around lights, double vision, and difficulty with night vision. These symptoms are usually temporary and improve over time, but in rare cases, they may persist and affect daily activities. It's important to discuss these potential visual disturbances with your surgeon before undergoing LASIK.
3. Undercorrection or Overcorrection
In some cases, LASIK surgery may not fully correct the patient's vision. This can result in undercorrection, where the patient still requires glasses or contact lenses for clear vision, or overcorrection, where the patient's vision is overcorrected and they may require additional surgery. The risk of undercorrection or overcorrection increases for patients with higher refractive errors or those with thin corneas.
4. Flap Complications
During LASIK surgery, a flap is created on the cornea to access the underlying tissue. In rare cases, flap complications can occur, such as flap dislocation, wrinkling, or infection. These complications may require additional treatment or surgery to resolve. It's important to follow post-operative instructions carefully to reduce the risk of flap complications.