Risks and Possible Complications of Lasik Surgery

Before the surgery, your surgeon should explain to you the risks and possible complications, and potential side effects, including the pros and cons of having one or both eyes done on the same day. This is the "informed consent" process. Some risks and possible complications include:

• Over- or under-correction. These problems can often be improved with glasses, contact lenses and enhancements.
• Corneal scarring, irregular astigmatism (permanent warping of the cornea), and an inability to wear contact lenses.
• Corneal infection.
• "Loss of best corrected visual acuity" — that is, you would not be able to see as well after surgery, even with glasses or contacts, as you did with glasses or contacts before surgery.
• A decrease in contrast sensitivity, "crispness," or sharpness. That means that even though you may have 20/20 vision, objects may appear fuzzy or grayish.
• Problems with night driving that may require glasses.
• Flap problems, including: irregular flaps, incomplete flaps, flaps cut off entirely, and ingrowth of cells under the flap.

The following side effects are possible, but usually disappear over time. In rare situations, they may be permanent.

• Discomfort or pain
• Hazy or blurry vision
• Scratchiness
• Dryness
• Glare
• Haloes or starbursts around lights
• Light sensitivity
• Small pink or red patches on the white of the eye