Lasik Surgery Side Effects

Lasik surgery side effects have been reduced to a minimal number over the years but there are still some things to be aware of after undergoing the Lasik procedure.

After patient has had and is recovering from a Lasik procedure there are steps to take and symptoms to be aware of. During a patients surgery numbing drops where used to lessen the discomfort and the patients Lasik eye surgery was virtually painless. After the surgery the drops will wear off and the patient may feel some discomfort or dryness for several hours, but usually no severe pain.

During the recovery period following a Lasik procedure to reduce Lasik surgery side effects a patients doctor may instruct him to: Use antibiotic/anti-inflammatory eye drops to keep the eye free of infection, and reduce any swelling or irritation. Use artificial moisture drops as recommended to keep your eyes moist. Use the provided eye shields, to help prevent scratching and dislocating the corneal flap, especially during sleep. Wear dark eyeglasses for awhile if the patient experiences sensitivity to bright lights. Avoid rubbing the eye for a few days or weeks, as recommended by your doctor or surgeon.

Lasik surgery side effects immediately following the surgery may include blurred vision in the eye that was treated as the lasers used may cause irritation and the appearance of a bright light in the patients' vision. Also immediately following the Lasik procedure a patient may have tearing in the eye that was treated as well as the untreated eye which can cause blurred vision as well. The Lasik surgery side effects immediately following surgery require that someone drive the patient home as the vision will not be clear enough for driving. This blurring should only last for a very short period of time and should gradually decrease over the following days.

It is important for a patient to recognize the difference between Lasik surgery side effects and Lasik complications. Lasik complications can involve things that can happen to your eyes or vision during surgery or shortly after surgery. These complications are rare and typically occur while the surgeon is creating the Lasik flap.

Lasik surgery side effects involving flap complications typically occur in less that 1% of all Lasik cases and usually involve either an incomplete or irregular flap, a misalignment of the flap or similar complication. These complications usually occur before the laser is used to correct the eye; while the surgeon is using a device to make the flap.

Some of the Lasik surgery side effects are a normal part of the healing process, usually temporary and treated with the medications that your surgeon prescribes. They usually begin to lessen just days following your procedure.

Some possible Lasik surgery side effects can also include slight corneal swelling and eye dryness or the feeling of dryness. Be sure to discuss potential Lasik surgery side effects with your doctor.