Laser eye surgery, or Lasik, is a surgery that focuses on improving vision and eliminates or reduces the patient's dependency on eyeglasses or contact lenses. The surgery uses a laser to reshape the cornea, which allows the eye to more effectively focus images onto the retina. Laser eye surgery can produce many effects, both adverse and beneficial, and understanding these effects can help patients better tolerate the surgery and any post-surgery complications.
Improved Vision
The reason why Lasik surgery is performed is to improve the patient's vision. Laser eye surgery is used in patients suffering from nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and age-related vision loss, and the procedure drastically improves sight in these patients, according to MayoClinic.com. Visual improvement is based upon the patient's vision prior to the procedure. Patients with relatively good vision prior to the surgery will come out with better vision after the procedure. However, almost all patients will experience some visual improvement after the surgery.
Eye Discomfort
Some patients will complain of discomfort in the affected eye immediately after laser eye surgery, reports the U.S Food and Drug Administration. The patient can have a burning or itching sensation in the eye or feel like there is something lodged in the eye. Patients may also experience pain in or around the eye. The eye may tear up. Patients must be reminded not to rub their eyes, because this may damage the surgical area. Doctors may prescribe mild pain-relievers to help alleviate the discomfort. The pain and discomfort usually subside a few days after the surgery.
Visual Disturbances
Some patients will experience hazy or blurry vision, glare and halos around lights after Lasik surgery, states AllAboutVision.com. These effects are caused by the damage caused to the eye during the procedure. Typically, these effects fade as the eye slowly heals. Within weeks to months after the surgery, most patients notice that the visual disturbances have disappeared. If these symptoms persist, the ophthalmologist should thoroughly re-examine the patient.
Improper Corrections
In rare cases, laser eye surgery may not improve the patient's vision to the degree expected. The procedure may result in undercorrection, overcorrection or astigmatism, according to MayoClinic.com. These improper corrections occur when the procedure removes too little tissue, removes too much tissue or removes tissue in an uneven pattern, respectively. Further surgeries may need to be done to improve the patient's vision.
Dry Eyes
A common effect of laser eye surgery is the sensation of eyes that dry more quickly than normal, reports the FDA. This effect usually lasts at least one month after the procedure and can be present up to six months after the procedure. Doctor's may prescribe eyedrops to help patients deal with the dry sensation.
