When you’re thinking about getting LASIK surgery, you may wonder what side effects you could experience. Although the procedure itself is very safe, there are some potential risks involved. Be sure to discuss any concerns with your surgeon before undergoing LASIK surgery. The side effects listed below are not all-inclusive and may vary depending on your specific circumstances. It is important to remember that every patient is unique and experiences LASIK differently. Some people will experience no side effects whatsoever while others may experience temporary discomfort or even serious complications. Keep reading to learn more about the possible side effects of LASIK so you can make an informed decision about whether this is right for you.
Blurred vision
Blurred vision is one of the most common complications of LASIK. In fact, up to 10% of patients experience some level of temporary blurriness after surgery. Some patients may experience this for as long as six months, while others may only experience it for a few days.Blurred vision is usually caused by a build-up of fluid inside the cornea. This fluid is called a corneal stromal edema, and it occurs when the LASIK flap is not fully secured. If you experience blurred vision after LASIK, you should stop wearing your contacts or glasses as soon as possible. Doing so will help you to focus on the light that enters your eye from your surroundings.You can also try to keep your head as still as possible during the first few days after surgery to prevent the fluid from moving to the back of your eye. This can help to reduce the amount of blurriness you experience.
Loss of reading and driving vision
As with any type of surgery, there is always the risk of losing some or all of your vision. When you’re under general anesthesia for LASIK, the cornea is more sensitive to injury and can be permanently damaged. If your surgeon is not able to remove the correct amount of tissue, you could end up with less than 20/20 vision. This is called over-correction, and it is one of the most common complications of LASIK. If you experience over-correction, you will likely lose some reading and driving vision. If you are over-corrected, you may also experience dry spots in your vision. If this happens, you should see an ophthalmologist immediately.Loss of reading and driving vision can also be caused by disease or injury to the cornea. If you have these issues, you may not be a good candidate for LASIK.
Retinal damage
Retinal damage can occur due to a surge of light entering the eye during the LASIK procedure. Although this is very rare, it can cause permanent visual impairment. If this happens, your vision will likely be impaired permanently.
Eyesight issues
Some patients experience vision issues after LASIK due to irregularities in the shape of the cornea. This is called irregular astigmatism, and it is the most common type of vision issue after surgery. If you experience irregular astigmatism, you may not be able to see in the distance. You may also experience dry, irritated eyes. If this happens, you should see an ophthalmologist immediately.Eyesight issues can also be caused by disease or injury to the cornea. If you have these issues, you may not be a good candidate for LASIK.
Drooping eyelid
Drooping eyelid is a very rare side effect of LASIK. It is caused by swelling of the tissues surrounding the eye. If you experience this, you should see an ophthalmologist immediately.Drooping eyelid can be very painful and may cause permanent damage to your vision. If this happens, you should see an ophthalmologist immediately.
Conclusion
LASIK is a safe and effective way to improve your vision. However, it is important to remember that every patient is unique and experiences LASIK differently. Some people will experience no side effects whatsoever while others may experience temporary discomfort or even serious complications. Be sure to discuss any concerns with your surgeon before undergoing LASIK surgery. Remember that you are responsible for your own vision, and there are no guarantees that LASIK will improve your vision.