LASIK is a type of refractive eye surgery for correcting astigmatism, hyperopia and myopia. LASIK stands for Laser Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis. During the LASIK surgery, the patient’s refractive error is corrected by reshaping the cornea by removing correct amount of corneal tissue. It only takes about 15 minutes to perform LASIK eye surgery. But there are possible side effects of LASIK which people should be aware of before undergoing the eye surgery.
The most common side effects of LASIK are dry eyes, halos associated with night vision and glare. But in most of the cases, the side effects associated with LASIK disappear within few days to few months. If you find the side effects are lasting more than six months, then you should undergo an eye exam by your eye surgeon. Some of the side effects of LASIK include:
Sensitivity to Light
One of the most commonly experienced side effects of LASIK is sensitivity to light. You may feel like touching or rubbing your eyes when you experience this sensitivity but this could delay the healing process of your eyes. It may also damage your eyes. So, avoid touching or rubbing your eyes during LASIK recovery. This sensation usually subsides within the first few days after the surgery.
Glare, Starbursts and Halos
These vision problems disappear within the first month itself. But if they persist, glasses can be used to treat this problem. Glare, starbursts and halos may occur because of two reasons:
- The pupil dilates to a size that is larger than size of the treatment zone
- Incorrect adherence of the corneal flap to the eye
Dry Eye
Dryness of the eyes is another common complication of LASIK surgery. Dryness of eyes may manifest into crusting, blurred vision, itchiness and redness. This usually subsides within the first 3 months. The surgeon may prescribe lubricating drops for relieving this condition.
