A significant percentage of patients experience some kind of side effect after undergoing LASIK eye surgery. Most of these issues are minor and can be treated with over-the-counter medications or by taking a break from work until they go away. However, others may persist and require additional treatment. Regardless, the vast majority of patients experience no negative side effects whatsoever. Here are some of the most common side effects experienced by LASIK patients and how to avoid them or treat them if needed:
Dry eyes
Dry eyes are one of the most common side effects of LASIK surgery. It can take anywhere from a couple weeks to several months for this side effect to resolve completely. Fortunately, it is usually mild and can be treated with several drops of artificial tears a day. However, if it becomes more severe, it may require prescription drops or ointments. ###Dry eye syndrome is a condition that results in a lack of tear production or tear quality. This can be caused by certain medications, diseases or medical conditions, or extended periods of time spent reading or staring at a computer screen. If you experience dry eye symptoms for a long period of time with no relief, it’s important to see a doctor.
Drooping eyelids
Droopy eyelids can be extremely uncomfortable and can make it difficult to read or drive. This is usually caused by swelling in the eyelids and can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to fully resolve. Fortunately, it is usually mild and can be treated with warm compresses or eye drops that reduce swelling. If this continues to be a problem, it may require additional treatment such as steroid injections or temporary tacking of the eyelids to the surrounding tissues with adhesive tape.
Eyelids stuck together
This side effect is usually temporary and can be treated with warm compresses. If it becomes more severe, it may require a few days in the hospital and eyelid glue. ###Eyelids getting stuck together is usually a result of excess oil from the eyes that gets trapped under the skin of the eyelids. This can be caused by certain medications, diseases or medical conditions, or simply by spending a lot of time in the hot sun. It can take anywhere from a few days to a couple weeks to fully resolve.
Eye pain and sensitivity to light
This side effect is usually temporary and can be treated with eye drops. However, if it becomes more severe, it may require prescription drops or an ointment. ###Eye pain and light sensitivity is usually a result of a foreign body accidentally getting in the eye during surgery. If this happens, the eye can be removed, but the rest of the eye may take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to fully heal. Fortunately, the majority of people who experience this side effect fully recover within a few weeks.
Nausea and headache
This side effect can be treated with over-the-counter medications, but if it becomes more severe, it may require prescription medication. ###Nausea and headaches are usually a result of excess pressure placed on the eyes. This can be caused by certain medications, diseases or medical conditions, or simply by straining to see something far away. It can take anywhere from a few days to a couple weeks to fully resolve.
Shifting vision and halos
This side effect is usually temporary and can be treated with over-the-counter eye drops. If it becomes more severe, it may require prescription eye drops or ointments. ###Shifting vision and halos is usually a result of a reaction to a substance injected during surgery. If this happens, the vision can usually be corrected by removing the substance and adjusting the laser. The halos will usually disappear over time.
Bleeding, watery eyes, and redness
Bleeding, watery eyes, and redness are all extremely common side effects of LASIK surgery. Fortunately, they are usually minor and can be treated with over-the-counter eye drops. ###Bleeding and watery eyes are usually a result of a tear duct being accidentally cut during surgery. If this happens, the tear duct can usually be repaired without taking any additional stitches. The redness is usually temporary and can be treated with over-the-counter eye drops.
Conclusion
The vast majority of patients experience no negative side effects whatsoever after undergoing LASIK surgery. However, some patients may experience some kind of side effect. In any case, they are usually mild and can be treated with over-the-counter medications or by taking a break from work until they go away. Nevertheless, it is important to take note of these potential side effects so that you can prepare yourself for what to expect after surgery. ###Keep in mind that these side effects are not the same for every patient. Everyone responds to LASIK surgery differently, and each person experiences different side effects. That being said, the most important thing you can do is be prepared for them before the operation.