Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) surgery is a common corrective procedure for those suffering from nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. It’s often touted as an almost miraculous way to improve one’s eyesight, ridding people of their dependence on glasses and contact lenses. Since the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) only approved LASIK in 1995, the long term effects of the surgery aren’t completely known, but the majority of data indicates that LASIK is safe. As with any surgery, there is always the risk of complications.
Short Term Effects
After LASIK surgery, patients experience several side effects. Eyes may feel painful or uncomfortable. This usually dissipates quickly and doctors may prescribe painkillers if needed. Doctors cover the eyes for 24 hours in order to protect them. After the eyes are uncovered, patients often experience blurry vision. Blurriness gradually decreases over one to two days and vision generally stabilizes between a week and a month’s time. In the short term, patients are at risk of infection, so they’re given antibiotic eye drops. For the majority of people, vision clears and they can resume their normal schedules after two or three days.
Common short term side effects of LASIK include dry eyes, haloing, droopy eyelids, or subconjunctival hemorrhage. The most common side effect is dry eyes and most times, this will clear up within a year. Haloing – or glare around bright objects – usually clears up within six weeks, though patients should take care when driving at night. Droopy eyelids should also go away with a few weeks. A subconjunctival hemorrhage is a common side effect where blood leaks into the white part of the eye. Though it can look alarming, it’s relatively minor, basically akin to a bruise on one’s eye. It should clear up within two weeks.
Long Term Effects
Given that LASIK hasn’t been around for very long, it’s difficult to determine what its effects will be decades from now. That said, there are some long term effects that have surfaced. The FDA states that the dry eyes commonly experienced after surgery may become permanent. For those who were farsighted, their visual improvement may decrease as they age. The surgery also permanently impacts the cornea and makes it difficult to accurately measure intraocular pressure. Inability to measure this can lead to undiagnosed glaucoma and complications during cataracts surgery. Rarely, corneas may be scarred, leading to mild or moderate haziness. Patients may also experience glaring, double-vision, or a loss of contrast sensitivity. Very rarely, LASIK can lead to reduced vision or even blindness. Patients will also always be at risk for corneal flap dislocation.
The number one complaint after LASIK surgery is over or under-correction of vision, but this tends to stem from unrealistic expectations. In 2008, the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery reviewed over three thousand peer-reviewed articles over the past ten years and found a 95.4% satisfaction rate among those who had undergone LASIK surgery. Despite any short or long term complications, the vast majority of people experience improved vision and are satisfied with the results.
Photo via Jug Jones
