Understanding LASIK Side Effects

LASIK Side Effects Smithtown

At North Shore Eye Care, we believe that educating patients about their treatment options is a vital part of providing high-quality care. While LASIK surgery offers valuable and long-lasting benefits, it is important for patients to be aware of LASIK side effects and risks before making the decision to undergo surgery. The experienced physicians at our Long Island-area practice understand that many individuals are apprehensive about undergoing laser vision treatment, which is why they provide compassionate, expert care to help their patients feel comfortable every step of the way.

If you have any questions about LASIK surgery and its side effects, schedule a complimentary consultation at our Smithtown or Riverhead office today. We are proud to serve the vision needs of patients throughout Long Island.

LASIK Side Effects

Advances in laser technology have made LASIK surgery one of the safest and most effective vision correction treatments currently available. As with all surgical procedures, however, LASIK surgery does carry some degree of risk, and patients may experience side effects from the surgery. During a comprehensive consultation at our Smithtown or Riverhead office, our physicians perform a number of tests to gain a complete understanding of the patient’s eyes and identify any pre-existing conditions. In doing so, they are able to evaluate a patient’s candidacy for LASIK surgery and make assessments regarding any possible side effects.

Because each set of eyes is unique, the type and severity of side effects (if experienced) will vary from patient to patient. During follow-up appointments at our Smithtown and Riverhead offices, patients should alert our physicians of any LASIK side effects they are experiencing so that they can be promptly addressed. Issues such as blurriness are to be expected and normally subside in the days immediately after surgery. Other possible side effects include:

Dry Eye

Changes in the shape of the cornea that occur during LASIK surgery can have an effect on tear production in some patients, leading to a flare in dry eye symptoms. Some of the complications associated with dry eye are redness, itchiness, and blurred vision. If patients exhibit symptoms of dry eye prior to LASIK surgery, it is important to have this condition treated before undergoing the surgical procedure. In most cases, dry eye is a temporary LASIK side effect and can be treated with prescription eye drops.

Sensitivity to Light

Sensitivity to light is most common in the first few days after LASIK surgery. It is recommended that patients wear sunglasses while outside, and avoid excessive computer or television use. In addition, keeping the eyes closed as much as possible in the days after surgery is an excellent way to promote quick healing. Patients should also refrain from rubbing their eyes. 

Halos and Glares

In addition to blurriness, some patients experience halos, glares, and starbursts in their vision after LASIK surgery. These LASIK side effects are most common during the healing process when the corneal flap is not properly adjusted. In addition, they tend to be more prevalent at night, especially if the pupils dilate beyond the area that has been treated with LASIK surgery.

Contact North Shore Eye Care

Like most other medical treatments, LASIK surgery can produce a number of side effects that should be considered prior to undergoing treatment. Thanks to the expert skill of our physicians and the sophisticated technology featured at North Shore Eye Care, thousands of patients have experienced benefits that significantly outweigh these possible LASIK side effects. Contact our Smithtown or Riverhead office to schedule a free consultation today.  


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