The laser reshapes the cornea so light is refracted at the proper angles. It is most commonly used to correct nearsightedness, although it also is used for farsightedness. It usually works quite well. Most people suffer some blurred or distorted vision for up to a month or so, and doctors must redo the operation to tweak their work in 10 percent to 15 percent of cases, the American Academy of Ophthalmology says. Minor surgery can fix both.
Dry eyes is a common complaint, but it usually is soothed with drops and time.
In a very small percentage of cases, complications can be serious, especially if the treated area of the cornea isn't properly centered, or the cornea is unevenly treated. Sometimes, in patients with large pupils, the treated area might be smaller than the patient's dilated pupil, as happened to Paula Cofer. The disparity between the corrected portion of the cornea and the uncorrected portion also can decrease night vision and make bright lights play tricks at night. An oncoming car headlight, for instance, may seem exceptionally large and bright, a phenomenon patients and doctors call starbursts. Cofer, who organized last weekend's meeting, has seen specialists at Emory and consulted laser experts in Canada, to no avail.