Laser eye surgery is used to correct refractive vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. Two common forms of laser eye surgery are photorefractive keratectomy, or PRK, and laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, or LASIK. PRK and LASIK have different advantages and disadvantages. Short and long-term after effects can occur with both procedures.
Dry Eye
Approximately 50 percent of people undergoing LASIK surgery develop dry eye symptoms, according to the patient information website, All About Vision. The procedure involves cutting into the cornea, the clear area at the front of the eye. The corneal nerves can be damaged in this process, reducing the eye's capacity to detect and respond to dryness. People with severe nearsightedness are at increased risk for dry eye after LASIK compared to those with less severe refractive errors. Notably, PRK is not associated with postoperative dry eye as there is no eye incision, reports ophthalmologist Andrew Caster on All About Vision.
Dry eye symptoms may improve in the weeks and months following LASIK surgery in many people. Others, however, may have persistent dry eye that may interfere with visual acuity. Lubricating eye drops, medicated eye drops and plugs inserted into the tear ducts may be used to treat this condition.
Light-Related Distortions
People who have undergone laser eye surgery may experience visual distortions around bright lights such as halos, starbursts or glare, reports the International Society of Refractive Surgery. This after effect can interfere with night vision, especially while driving. Light-related visual distortions may improve over time, although some people have persistent problems. A second surgery or topical medication may help alleviate this after effect of laser eye surgery.
Light Sensitivity
Increased light sensitivity is a common after effect of LASIK, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. This effect can also occur with PRK, notes All About Vision. Normal sunlight, movies and television may seem excessively bright, causing squinting. The Academy reports that this after effect usually resolves within three to six months after laser eye surgery. In a few patients, the condition may be permanent.
Blurred Vision
Overcorrection or undercorrection of a patient's refractive error can cause continued blurred vision. With overcorrection, the patient experiences the opposite of her presurgical visual problem. For example, an overcorrected, previously nearsighted patient may see distant objects clearly, but near objects are out of focus. An undercorrection in the same patient would cause a less-than-satisfactory improvement in her ability to see distant objects clearly. Continued blurred vision may also occur due to regression, or a partial loss of the corrective effect of the laser surgery after the eye heals.
The Eye Surgery Education Council points out that undercorrection and regression are usually rectifiable with a second laser procedure, known as an enhancement. Options for overcorrection may include a second laser procedure or another form of treatment.
References
- All About Vision: Dry Eyes and LASIK
- All About Vision: Ask The Eye Surgeon, Dry Eyes
- International Society of Refractive Surgery: ISRS Refractive Surgery: Candidacy for Procedures
- American Academy of Ophthalmology: Is LASIK for Me? A Patient’s Guide to Refractive Surgery
- Eye Surgery Education Council: Postoperative Complications
