As with any type of surgery, complications are possible. Every effort is made to minimize risks, but serious or long-term complications can never be fully eliminated. Common side effects after refractive surgery include:
Glare from bright light sources, such as oncoming headlights while driving at night may occur but generally improves and often resolves over the first six months after the procedure. In a few cases, patients use eye drops to keep the pupil small, thereby reducing glare. Light sensitivity may rapidly improve over days to weeks; however, a few individuals have ongoing light sensitivity for six months or longer. Shadowing, doubling of vision, or “ghost images” usually resolves on its own, but sometimes need further re-treatments. Variable vision may occur depending upon the procedure for weeks to months after the procedure. Some individuals experience a small fluctuation in the precise focus over the course of the day. This daily fluctuation generally subsides during the month after the surgery. Overcorrection and under correction may occur in some patients. if you feel that the uncorrected vision is not as good as desired, you may require the use of glasses, contact lenses, or further laser procedures. No list of complications can be complete. Any medical or surgical procedure has innumerable potential risks, both foreseen and unforeseen. If you have additional concerns, please ask your surgeon.