Side Effects of LASIK
Although LASIK is a safe procedure with a very high success rate, all surgeries carry some associated risks. While sight-threatening complications are extremely rare, you may experience some minor or temporary side effects following surgery. At Ophthalmology Physicians & Surgeons, PC in Philadelphia, PA, we believe in the importance of patient education and will explain all potential LASIK side effects to help you make an informed decision about your treatment. By selecting a skilled eye doctor, you can minimize your risk and improve your chances for the best possible results.
Temporary Effects
Most side effects associated with LASIK are temporary. Our team can help you avoid these issues or, if they do occur, effectively manage them.
Temporary Discomfort
Some discomfort in the first few days after LASIK surgery is expected. You may experience mild irritation or sensitivity to light, but this typically fades within several days.
Vision Disturbances
Certain disturbances in normal vision may occur during the first few weeks to months after treatment. You may notice glare, halos, starbursts, or hazy vision, especially at night. However, these concerns usually disappear completely within three to six months.
Dry eyes
Many patients experience dry eye syndrome during recovery, typically as a result of a decrease in tear production. In most cases, this symptom lasts no longer than up to six months after treatment. We can provide lubricating eye drops or recommend another treatment to reduce your discomfort during this time.
Subconjunctival Hemorrhage
Some patients develop a small red spot on the white of their eye after surgery. Known as a subconjunctival hemorrhage, it is the result of a broken blood vessel breaking in the outermost coating of the eyeball. While alarming, such spots are rare and harmless. They typically disappear within a few days or weeks.
Infection
While infections are rare after LASIK, they can occur. The doctor can provide medicated eyedrops for your recovery to control inflammation and prevent infection beforehand.
Flap Complications
During a LASIK procedure, your doctor makes a thin flap on the front surface of the cornea to access the tissue below and reshape the contour of your eye. Although complications with this flap are rare, they can result in distinct symptoms such as irregular astigmatism, inflammation under the flap, ingrowths of tissue. However, these conditions are highly treatable with medications or surgery.
Minimizing Your Risks
The most effective way to avoid side effects with LASIK is to choose a reputable and experienced surgeon. Our team at Ophthalmology Physicians & Surgeons, PC specializes in eye surgery and can provide safe effective LASIK treatment. We can also assess your risk factors before recommending LASIK to determine if you are a good candidate before pursuing surgery.
Discuss Your Situation with a Professional
We have six locations around Philadelphia, allowing us to provide comprehensive eye care to patients throughout the city. For more information about our LASIK services, call our office at (215) 672-4300 to speak to a member of our team or contact us online today.
