Side effects of laser eye surgery

Before having laser eye surgery it is essential that the patient discusses possible side effects with the surgeon.  These can include dry eyes and discomfort in the months following surgery but artificial tear supplements can remedy this problem, and it is unusual for the dryness to continue for longer than this time.  The reason that dryness often occurs in the first few months after LASIK surgery is because the nerves at the front of the eye (which stimulate a normal blink rate and normal tear production) need to grow back after surgery, and this can take up to a year.

 

Many patients experience glare and halo effects when driving at night, particularly just after treatment, but this tends to be more common in higher level corrections and in any case is rarely severe.  As with dryness to the eyes, the symptoms usually rectify themselves within the first year.  Other potential side effects might include having a drooping eyelid, hazy or blurry vision, scratchiness, light sensitivity, or small pink/red patches on the white of the eye but these usually disappear with time and are rarely permanent.

 

 In very rare cases complications can lead to corneal ectasia, where fluid pressure builds up on the eye, in which case patients would need a corneal transplant to correct the condition.

If you are looking for a quote for laser eye surgery, or want more information about treatment in your local area, you can complete the Laser Eye Surgery Enquiry Form. Your enquiry will be forwarded to a maximum of three clinics or providers of laser eye treatment who partner with the Private Healthcare UK web site.