Laser Eye Surgery
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But LASIK eye surgery patients might experience some side effects, as is common with any minor surgical procedure. Dry, irritated eyes are by far the most common complaint following LASIK eye surgery. Patients find that their eyes feel itchy, don't retain enough moisture, or feel like there's a foreign body in their eye. Unfortunately, eye injuries can occur if the patient rubs at their eyes. For this reason, doctors prescribe moisturizing eye drops to alleviate dryness and protective eye shields for the patient to sleep in. These side effects can persist for six months or longer, but most cases clear up within two to three months.

The first few days following LASIK eye surgery tend to be the most uncomfortable. Some patients experience pain. Doctors can recommend mild pain relievers if the discomfort is a problem. Patients are advised to sleep as much as possible, both to promote healing and to remain unconscious through the most painful phase of recovery. Most people find relief from the pain within a day or two of their LASIK eye surgery.

Some patients have vision irregularities following LASIK eye surgery. These anomalies can range from "floaters", or tiny spots that seem to float in the field of vision, to "halos" or "starbursts" around bright lights. These glaring effects can make it difficult to drive at night when street lights and headlights are present. Blurry vision is another common side effect, though it tends to improve within 24-48 hours of the surgery. Vision abnormalities usually go away on their own, but they become permanent in a small number of patients.

Since LASIK eye surgery involves the cutting of the eye's outermost layer of tissue, there is always a slim chance of infection. Signs of an eye infection include redness, swelling, crusting, itching, and pain. Fortunately, eye infections are treatable with antibiotics, administered orally or through liquid eye drops. Some patients suffer mild corneal abrasions during the procedure. These are treated by fitting a bandage contact lens over the affected eye.

LASIK eye surgery can involve some discomfort, but the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not recognized any long-term side effects from LASIK. Serious complications are very rare, but frequently include corneal flap displacement or wrinkling. Since the corneal flap isn't stitched shut, but is instead left to act as its own bandage, any kind of trauma to the patient's eye can move the flap out of position. Follow-up procedures can correct corneal flap problems.

Virtually all post-surgical complaints can be treated with medications or follow-up LASIK eye surgery. The skill of the LASIK surgeon is the most critical factor; don't trust your eyesight to someone simply because they offer a low price. Instead, go with an established surgeon to ensure your satisfaction with the procedure and to minimize your risks.