Risks and side effects

Possible risks and side effects

Even though LASIK is a procedure with very few complications, some risks and possible side effects should be considered:

Infection, Inflammation
Corneal Flap Problems
Under correction or Over correction
Corneal Surface Irregularities
Halo and Glare Effect
Light Sensitivity
Fluctuating Vision

Risk FAQs:

What are the risks with LASIK?

There are risks with any surgical procedure. Although complications with LASIK are rare, you need to be aware of them. Potential problems include complications with the corneal flap, infection, removing too much or too little tissue with the laser beam, the need for reading glasses, microscopic surface irregularities, halo effect or night vision problems, inability to wear contact lenses, and other remote risks.

What are the long term effects of LASIK?

LASIK was first performed in the 1990's, so we do not have decades of follow up infromation. However, since LASIK was first introduced, studies have not shown complications developing long after the procedure. If a problem does develop, it will most likely occur within the first few months after the procedure, not years later.