Precision Laser Eye

Possible Side Effects

Even though the refractive error may be corrected and the visual acuity may be good after LASIK, a moderate percentage of patients experience one or more of the following side effects:

As with any refractive procedure, it is common for patients to notice halos, ghost images, shadows, and slight distortions for the first few months after surgery. In some rare circumstances, these optical aberrations may interfere with normal visual activities.

Night myopia: Because only the central portion of the cornea is reshaped, eyes may become more nearsighted when the pupil dilates and allows light to enter through the peripheral cornea that has not been reshaped. Even if excellent vision is acheived during the daytime without glasses, a thin pair of glasses may be needed for optimum vision at night.

Dry Eye: During the healing process your eye may feel dry, and you may need to use non-preserved artificial tear replacement for comfort.

Discomfort: Most of the discomfort following LASIK occurs within the first 24 hours and can easily be controlled with a mild, over-the-counter pain reliever. The eyes may be slightly more sensitive to sunlight following surgery. It is important to discuss in detail the risks and benefits of the surgery with your surgeon.

anatomy of the eye

Cornea: The cornea is the crystal clear dome that covers the front of the eye. The majority (70%) of the bending (refracting) of light rays is accomplished by the cornea.
Lens: The crystalline lens finishes the focusing of light. It helps to “fine tune” vision, and it is able to change shape to allow the eye to focus on near objects. When it becomes cloudy, it is called a cataract.

Unlike the cornea, the lens can be made to change its shape (and, therefore, its refractive power) rapidly and voluntarily. Using its ability to change shape, the lens allows the eye to change its focal point. Changes in the shape of the lens will allow a normal eye to focus on near objects.

Iris: The iris controls the amount of light entering into the eye and is the part of the eye that gives it color (i.e., blue, green, brown).

Pupil: The pupil is the opening in the middle of the iris. It functions like the diaphragm in a camera, controlling the amount of light that enters the eye. The pupil is small in bright light and large in dim light.

Retina: The retina is a thin layer of nerve tissue that senses light. Specialized cells called rods and cones convert light energy into nerve signals that travel through the optic nerve to the brain. The retina is analogous to the film in a camera.

Optic nerve: The optic nerve is the nerve that runs from the eyeball to the brain. It carries information from the retina to the brain for interpretation.