Two of the most common side effects are dry eye and seeing starbursts or halos around lights at nighttime, both which are usually temporary and disappear with time as the eyes heal. Dry eye can be soothed with the use of artificial tears which soothes the eye by keeping it moist. Less than 1% of LASIK patients have vision that worsens rather than improves.

Dry eyes are a common but treatable side effect of LASIK which diminishes with time. Some people see halos around lights at night, but this can go away with time. When it persists, most patients find it noticable but not disabling or distracting.

The most common initial reaction after LASIK is a “halo” or glare effect. You may experience a slight glare around lights, especially at night. However, these side effects are generally no more serious than those resulting from contact lenses, and are frequently much less serious. Normally, these effects subside in 2 to 4 months for most LASIK surgery patients.

For many people, LASIK surgery means freedom from glasses and/or contact lenses. Custom LASIK improves both visual acuity and the quality of your vision. If you have extremely poor vision, which cannot be adequately resolved by corrective lenses, LASIK may help by improving the curvature of your corneas.

Nobody knows if there are significant long-term (beyond 10 years) adverse effects from LASIK. However, the scientific community does not foresee any significant long-term adverse effects. The flap-making technology has been available since the late 1940's. The excimer laser has been available since the early 1980's. Neither have shown long-term problems so it is unlikely their combined use in LASIK will cause long-term problems. Eye doctors have tremendous confidence in the procedure.

LASIK is more comfortable, usually pain-free and yields quicker rehabilitation of vision, but is technically more difficult to perform and has a slightly higher surgical complication rate than PRK. This is because of the extra step needed during LASIK to create the corneal flap. These common side effects are temporary and will subside over time. Night glare can last from two to four weeks and dry eyes can last up to six months.

Temporary side effects following laser vision correction can include dryness of eyes, sensitivity to light or halos at night. During the healing process dry eyes can easily be treated by using artificial tears to keep the surface of your eyes moist. You are advised to wear sunglasses when outdoors following eye surgery to reduce light sensitivity and to protect your eyes. Halos or glare at night usually resolve within a few weeks and with Custom LASIK this side effect is virtually eliminated.

Dry eyes - For the first few weeks following surgery your eyes may be dry. This may be evident as a fluctuation in your vision or a gritty feeling. Dry eyes are alleviated by lubricant drops. The amount and duration of time that your eyes will require lubrication for is difficult to predict. If you suffered from dry eyes prior to LASIK you can expect that you will be required to use lubricant drops more frequently following your treatment.

LASIK surgery is designed to be permanent, though the procedure won't curtail the effects of aging on the eyes.

Yes, as with any surgery, laser vision correction involves a degree of risk. Dr. Boothe gives patients the information regarding those risks and answers any questions that they may have. Results of clinical studies indicate that the chances of having a vision-reducing complication are less than 1 percent. There have been no reported cases of blindness resulting from LASIK.