Eye laser surgery is a corrective procedure meant to remedy vision focal ability, according to MedlinePlus, a service of the National Institutes of Health. Laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis, or LASIK, is among the most typical kinds of eye laser surgery. LASIK is generally supposed to restore 20/20 vision. However, eye laser surgery carries the risk of causing unintended problems or complications.
Altered Visual Perception and Night Glare
Eye laser surgery such as LASIK may alter visual perception such that bursts or auras of light seem to surround objects being viewed, AllAboutVision.com explains. This condition is also called night glare and is particularly noticeable when gazing at lights in a dark area or at night.
Blurred Vision
Eye laser surgery can cause an error in the eye's ability to refract light resulting in blurred vision, Drugs.com notes. Perfectly clear vision requires the eyes to be able to refract light passing through them such that the light is able to focus on the retina. Eye laser surgery can impair instead of repair this refraction error.
Excessive or Insufficient Correction
LASIK eye surgery is supposed to remove an optimum amount of tissue from the eyes to achieve clear vision, the Mayo Clinic notes. However if the amount falls below or goes beyond the optimum amount, this can result in insufficient or excessive vision correction.
Impaired Night Vision
Eye laser surgery can impair the ability to see at night or in the dark, Drugs.com notes. Impaired night vision may impede the ability to do things in the dark or at night such as driving.
Insufficient Moisture of the Eyes
Eye laser surgery such as LASIK eye surgery can impede the eye's ability to remain sufficiently moist, the Mayo Clinic notes. This condition may occur within a half year period following the procedure. As such, eye drops may be required to alleviate this problem.
Photophobia
Eye laser surgery can cause photophobia, or sensitivity to excessively bright light, Drugs.com reports. This problem may be alleviated by wearing darkened glasses.
Possible Scarring and Infection of the Cornea
LASIK eye surgery may sometimes scar the cornea, or the tissue may become infected while recovering from the surgical procedure, Drugs.com and AllAboutVision.com explain. Should this occur, seeking medical help may be necessary to remedy the problem.
Swelling Around the Eyes
The area around the eyes and the sections that underwent eye laser surgery may also swell after the procedure, the Mayo Clinic reports.
Unusually Prone to Tears
LASIK eye surgery can also cause the eyes to tear excessively after the procedure, the Mayo Clinic explains.
Visual Regression
Eye laser surgery may also only temporarily improve vision and instead cause the gradual regression in eyesight after surgery, notes AllAboutVision.com. However such a problem is generally rare.
