The risk of irregular astigmatism increases with novice surgeons, and can be increased with improperly assembled equipment, microkeratome blade irregularities, reused microkeratome blades, improperly calibrated lasers, poorly centered treatments, and generally poor surgical technique. Poor surgical technique can increase the chance of this occurring. Treatment is to lift the flap, smooth out, and reposition. This is usually done only if the striations are affecting the vision. Dry eye - Unclear what the exact risk is.
Treatment is with artificial teardrops.
As with dryness, most patients experience these nighttime side effects and they tend to resolve in most but not all patients over a period of weeks to months. In some cases, they can continue to improve over a year postoperatively. Most patients who experience permanent increase in nighttime side effects report them as mild, and usually are not impaired by the side effects.