LASIK Side Effects – A Guide to What’s Normal

As a national resource connecting patients with the nation’s top refractive surgeons, we often address questions about LASIK’s side effects, recovery, and long-term outcomes. Although LASIK eye surgery is highly successful at reducing or eliminating dependence on glasses and contacts, it is a medical procedure, and so side effects during healing are normal. The good news is that they are typically mild, temporary, and highly manageable, especially when you’re under the care of an experienced surgeon using advanced technology. Here’s what’s normal, how common side effects are, and how to manage them for a confident recovery.

What Are LASIK Side Effects?

LASIK side effects are temporary symptoms that some patients experience as part of the normal healing process. These are distinct from true complications, which are rare and typically require additional treatment. Most LASIK side effects are mild, short-lived, and resolve as your eyes heal, but knowing what to expect can help you feel more comfortable and prepared to move through your LASIK journey.

What’s Normal? Common LASIK Side Effects During Recovery

Most patients experience at least one of the following LASIK side effects in the first few days or weeks after surgery:

• Dry Eyes. The most common side effect, described as gritty, burning, or blurred vision that improves with blinking. About 95% of patients report some dry eye symptoms in the first three months, but fewer than 5% have symptoms beyond six months.
• Glare, Halos, and Starbursts. Noticed by 20-30% of patients in the early months, especially at night or in low light.
• Light Sensitivity. Bright lights may feel uncomfortable for a short time after surgery, but this usually resolves quickly.
• Fluctuating or Blurry Vision. Your vision may be intermittently blurry or fluctuate during the initial healing period.
• Mild Discomfort or Itchiness. A scratchy or foreign body sensation is common for the first 24-48 hours.

These side effects are normal as your eyes heal and adjust to their new shape and improved focusing ability.

LASIK’s Side Effect Complications – What Are They & How Rare?

Fewer than 1% of patients experience persistent or serious complications, such as:

• Undercorrection or Overcorrection. Occasionally, the laser may remove too little or too much tissue, but LASIK enhancements can often address this.
• Flap Issues. While problems with the corneal flap created during LASIK are rare due to all-laser LASIK, they can include irregular healing or displacement, which are typically preventable with proper post-operative care.
• Infection. As with any surgery, there’s a small risk of infection, but it can be managed with prompt treatment.
• Ectasia. An extremely rare condition where the cornea weakens and bulges over time. Careful preoperative screening can identify patients who are at a higher risk for this and put in place measures to minimize the risk.

Your risk of LASIK side effects and serious complications is drastically reduced when you choose a highly experienced, board-certified refractive surgeon who uses the latest diagnostic and laser technology available.

LASIK Side Effects Long Term – What Should You Know?

Long-term LASIK side effects are very uncommon, with most patients’ symptoms resolving within months. For a small percentage, persistent symptoms, such as chronic dry eye or night vision disturbances, may occur, but these are often manageable with advanced treatment options and ongoing care.

5 Tips for Managing LASIK Side Effects For a Smooth Recovery

The best way to manage LASIK side effects is to follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions, such as:

1. Use lubricating and medicated eye drops as directed to relieve dry eyes, discomfort, and inflammation.
2. Reduce your screen time to avoid exacerbating dry eyes.
3. If you’re noticing glare/halos around light, minimize night driving until your vision stabilizes.
4. Protect your eyes by wearing a sleep shield at night, sunglasses during the d aydayoidingngd rubbing them.
5. Report persistent or severe symptoms to your LASIK surgeon for guidance on next steps.

Also, attend all follow-up appointments so your surgeon can monitor healing and address concerns.

Book Your LASIK Consultation With Confidence – Find a Top LASIK Surgeon Near You

Knowing about LASIK’s side effects is an important step toward making an informed, confident decision about your vision. With over 99% of patients enjoying rapid recovery, minimal side effects, and excellent long-term vision outcomes, it’s worth discovering how life-changing LASIK can be for you. Take the next step towards sharp, unassisted vision by booking a consultation with the nation’s best LASIK specialists and begin your journey towards visual freedom.