Yes, laser eye surgery (like LASIK) has common, usually temporary, side effects such as dry eyes, glare, halos, light sensitivity, and blurry vision, along with rare but more serious risks like infection or flap complications, though it's generally a safe procedure with millions of successful outcomes. Most minor issues resolve as the eye heals, but proper aftercare is crucial.
Complications that result in a loss of vision are very rare. But certain side effects of LASIK eye surgery are common. These include dry eyes and temporary visual problems such as glare. These symptoms usually clear up after a few weeks or months.
Laser treatment works very well for most people, but it doesn't work for everyone. You'll need to wait 4 to 6 weeks to find out if the treatment worked. Most people will need to keep taking glaucoma medicine even after laser treatment. You'll also need a few follow-up visits so your doctor can check your eye pressure.
LASIK surgery has a good track record. Serious complications are rare, and most people are pleased with the results. The most common side effect is dry eyes, which can last weeks to months. LASIK does not correct more-serious blurry vision, and it is not a good option for all people.
The long term side effects of laser eye surgery
For most patients, these side effects improve with time as their corneas heal. However, there are a small percentage of patients for whom these side effects become permanent. Side effects can include: Double vision, also called ghosting.
What is the regret rate for laser eye surgery? - Precision Vision. The regret rate is extremely low, under 5%. When patients have a clear understanding of what the surgery can and cannot achieve, satisfaction is typically very high. Clear communication with your surgeon is essential.
According to NHS guidelines, laser eye surgery is generally considered appropriate for those aged 18 years or older.
Potential LASIK SURGERY RISKS
Patients with autoimmune diseases are not good candidates for laser eye surgery. Many autoimmune conditions cause dry eye syndrome. A dry eye may not heal well and has a higher risk of post-surgery infection. Other conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, glaucoma or cataracts often affect results.
Alternatives to LASIK
Scarring: Laser surgeries are not meant as a permanent fix to glaucoma, so your natural healing/scarring tendencies may eventually cause the higher pressure to return. Restarting your glaucoma medications or undergoing revisions can be used to re-address the pressure.
“Strict adherence to medication is the single most important thing a patient with glaucoma can do to keep their vision from worsening,” Yohannan says.
Selective laser trabeculoplasty is associated with lower cost, good clinical outcomes, with lower symptom scores, and drop-freedom for most patients and should be offered as an alternative to intraocular pressure-lowering drops.
You have a thin or irregular cornea
If you have a predisposition to corneal shape irregularity, this can be made worse by laser eye surgery, and a condition called corneal ectasia may develop. This occurs infrequently and can often be treated successfully without the need for a corneal transplant.
We ask that you avoid wearing contact lenses and make-up prior to LASIK surgery. To avoid potential complications, we request patients wearing soft contact lenses discontinue their contacts 2 weeks prior to surgery, while those wearing hard or gas permeable contacts discontinue them 3 weeks prior.
Costs typically fall between £1,200 and £3,000 per eye, depending on your prescription, chosen procedure, and the degree of customisation required. At AccuVision, we assess your eyes first so we can give you an accurate, personalised quote.
In an interview that broke the internet (literally—over 1.3 million viewers crashed YouTube), Taylor didn't just announce her new album “The Life of a Showgirl.” She casually credited LASIK with helping her fully experience the emotional connections that made her tour so special.
Advanced Surface Ablation (ASA) is the safest surgical alternative for vision correction, surpassing LASIK, SMILE, and even PRK in terms of safety and long-term outcomes.
You are never too old to have vision correction surgery
Many patients choose to have treatment to free them up for travel or outdoor exercise once they retire. The treatment which is most suitable for your eyes is best determined by the right tests and an expert opinion from your operating surgeon.
The Best Age to Get LASIK
The most popular time to have LASIK is between the ages of 35 and 40. This is when your vision is at its most stable, and, for most people, it's an age when surgery is most likely to be affordable.
Avoid showering and getting water into your eyes for the next 24 hours. After that, it will be safe to shower but you should keep your eyes closed and the water out. While it is inevitable that some water will get in through your closed eyelids, try to limit the amount.
90% Of People who Undergo LASIK Surgery Achieve 20/20 Vision. The American Refractive Surgery Council has announced that 90% of people who undergo LASIK surgery end up with vision that is 20/20 or better. This number is set to increase as time goes on and as technology develops even further.
LASIK after 40 may not work well in patients who have other health conditions present like dry eyes, diabetes, or autoimmune disorders. The doctors at OVO will help screen you for your eligibility for surgery and treat any underlying conditions that may exist.
IOL implants for refractive lens exchange are often the best approach for older patients with presbyopia, and phakic implantable contact lenses are the ideal LASIK alternative for patients who want a reversible option.
Laser eye surgery recovery is generally quick, with most patients experiencing significant vision improvement within 24 hours. However, complete healing and vision stabilisation may take several months.