Possible Side Effects

Laser vision correction can dramatically improve your vision and lifestyle. However, as with any surgical procedure, there are some possible side effects you should be aware of...

First, there are temporary irritants you’ll likely experience. For example, your eyes may feel scratchy after the procedure; like an eyelash or contact lens is in your eye. This is relieved with eye drops, which you’ll use after the procedure.

You may also experience some watering of the eyes, and your eyesight may be a little hazy after the procedure. But these irritants are temporary and will soon disappear.

One possible side effect is undercorrection. That means the doctor may not correct your vision to where he or she thinks it ought to be on the first attempt. If this occurs, your doctor will simply have you in for another treatment for more correction.

Another possibility is overcorrection. That means if you’re nearsighted now, it’s possible to overcorrect your vision so you become farsighted. This is possible, but unlikely. Your doctor will try to avoid overcorrection by being conservative on the initial procedure. If overcorrection occurs, it can usually be corrected using an appropriate procedure.

Serious complications are extremely rare. Infection is the most worrisome complication and it can usually be eliminated with antibiotic eye drops, which you’ll use after surgery.

Finally, a problem could occur if you were to displace your flap and not let your doctor know right away. The doctor will minimize this possibility by having you wear eye patches when you take a nap or go to bed at night during the first week after the procedure. The patch stops you from rubbing your eyes in your sleep. And, of course, you don’t want to rub your eyes when you’re awake either.