Common LASIK Side Effects
Refractive errors are common vision problems that many people face: myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. These vision problems can be addressed through the use of corrective lenses, such as glasses and contacts. Another option is out there, however. That option is LASIK. LASIK is one of the most popular treatments at our Wilmington laser vision correction center.
We’d like to look at the side effects of LASIK so prospective patients have realistic expectations of the surgery and what it can accomplish. First, let’s cover the basics of the surgery itself.
About LASIK Surgery
Wilmington LASIK is a surgery which involves the reshaping of the cornea. By reshaping the cornea, light can be refocused on the retina, enhancing the clarity and quality of your vision.
During LASIK surgery, a flap is created on the outermost layer of the eye. Patients feel nothing since they will be given numbing eye drops prior to surgery. Through this flap, a safe surgical laser can access and reshape the cornea. The whole procedure generally takes no more than 15 to 20 minutes.
Common Side Effects of LASIK
While the LASIK results are generally quite good, there are also some side effects to surgery. These side effects include:
- Dry eye
- Halos
- Slight double vision
- Starbursts
- Glare
- Poor contrast sensitivity
- Itchiness of the eyes
Prior to your LASIK surgery, our eye doctors and eye surgeons in Wilmington will go over all of the potential side effects in great detail. Rest assured that many of these side effects are common and temporary, and they should subside in a few weeks after surgery.
Rare Complications Related to LASIK
There is the potential of complications after LASIK just as there is after any sort of surgery. Some of these rare complications after LASIK include:
- Overcorrection or undercorrection of vision
- Corneal infection
- Central corneal islands (essentially bumps that occur during corneal reshaping)
- Diffuse lamellar keratitis (DLK, a condition in which foreign objects get trapped in the corneal flap)
We will use our expertise and the greatest care to help ensure that you do not experience any of the serious complications above.
Candidacy for LASIK in Light of the Side Effects
While many people are good candidates for refractive surgery, not everyone is eligible. For example, people with dry eye syndrome are usually not good candidates for LASIK. Since dry eye is a symptom of LASIK, people who have problems with eye moisture prior to surgery may experience more aggravated dry eye, which can be very uncomfortable. Alternative treatments will need to be considered. During your consultation at our practice, we’ll be sure to go over all of your options for vision correction in greater detail.
Speak With Our Eye Care Specialists for a Consultation
If you would like more information about LASIK and how it can benefit you and your needs, be sure to contact our Wilmington eye care specialists today. The entire team is eager to discuss your needs with you in more detail. We will also be more than happy to discuss LASIK alternatives with you if you are not a good candidate for LASIK.
