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Possible Side Effects

Thank you for choosing Eye1st Vision & Laser for your LASIK surgery.

Most patients have wonderful vision after LASIK surgery, and if we have determined that you are a good candidate for the procedure chances are you too will be very satisfied with your vision.

Although all LASIK candidates go through a very selective screening and a meticulous refinement of their pre-operative prescription, and the most gentle and most precise surgical techniques available are used, minor irritations that last a few days sometimes occur. The following is a brief discussion of possible side effects and complications of LASIK. Some are common and some are extremely rare.

  • The most common side effect after LASIK is “dry eyes”. This usually lasts a few days, and resolves spontaneously. Rarely this may cause intermittent blurred vision, and persist for up to three months. It can be helpful to place “punctum plugs” in the lower eyelids. This quick and painless office procedure reduces the normal drainage of tears into the nose, and keeps the eyes moist. Temporary plugs which dissolve after 90 days are often used. Permanent plugs last indefinitely and might be recommended as an alternative. An extra charge is applied for this procedure.
  • Some patients experience night-time glare and halo effect around headlights or neon signs after LASIK. This typically resolves after 4-6 weeks. It is more severe in patients with high corrections and large pupils. Pre-existing night-time visual difficulties may be unchanged after LASIK. Custom ablation using Wavefront technology has a greater chance of reducing night-time glare and halo.
  • Some patients require enhancement surgery to improve their vision after LASIK. This might occur in 5-15% of patients. Patients with high prescriptions, or who have had prior refractive surgery such as RK, are more likely to require an enhancement. It is important to wait 4-6 months to allow the vision to completely stabilize before an enhancement is considered. Occasionally, temporary glasses or contact lenses may be necessary during the waiting period.
  • Eyestrain might occur if the vision is slightly different in the two eyes after LASIK. “Mono-vision” or “partial mono-vision” is often planned to allow the dominant eye to see at a distance, and the non-dominant eye to read up close. It is important to allow the eyes to work together and allow the brain to adjust to this vision. It is not helpful to compare the vision in the two eyes. Patients receiving mono-vision usually require reading glasses as they age for very small or detailed close work.
  • Flap complications rarely occur. In order to obtain an excellent result, a perfect flap is required. In less than 1 in 1000 procedures the flap is either incomplete, has an irregularity or other problem. If such a situation arises, it is best for the procedure to be stopped, allow the eye to stabilize and continue the procedure a few months later. Most patients do very well if such an event occurs. Contact lens patients are usually permitted to wear their lenses during this waiting period.
  • Dislocated flap . The flap may shift after LASIK, especially within the first 24 hours. This can cause visual distortion and requires prompt attention. Often this can easily be dealt with in the exam room, but sometimes a return trip to the OR is necessary. Avoid rubbing the eyes or getting debris in the eyes, especially for the first two weeks after LASIK.
  • Inflammation under the flap (DLK) can arise. The cause of DLK is unknown, but DLK responds very well to frequent use of cortisone eye drops and tablets. Sometimes irrigation under the flap is helpful to speed up the resolution of the inflammation.
  • Infection under the flap occurs in less than 1 in 10,000 procedures and responds well to treatment. It is important to keep all follow-up visits and report any redness, pain, blurred vision, or discomfort should it occur.
  • Ectasia is a condition where the cornea progressively thins and becomes irregular after LASIK. LASIK is not recommended for persons with thin corneas or who may be predisposed to develop ectasia.

In summary, millions of people now enjoy the miracle of LASIK refractive surgery. The procedure is safe and effective. Major complications are extremely rare especially when proper pre-operative, surgical, and post-operative protocols are maintained.

Thanks again for trusting us with your vision. We look forward to guiding you through a positive and rewarding LASIK experience.

Drs. Stewart, Shida, and Matzkin