At BEACH CITIES LASER | VISION, Dr. Erica Liu—a highly trained specialist with extensive experience in SMILE, EVO ICL, and LASIK—ensures patients receive the highest level of care. LASIK eye surgery is a widely used procedure that can significantly improve vision, often reducing or eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses. However, like any surgical procedure, LASIK carries some potential risks and complications.
While serious issues are rare, being fully informed before surgery is important. Here, we explore some of the potential bad outcomes after LASIK surgery and how to minimize your risk.
Common Post-Surgical Symptoms
Irritated/Dry-feeling Eyes
Dry eye syndrome is often thought to be one of the most frequent side effects of LASIK. In reality, studies have shown that, on average, dry eye syndrome IMPROVES after full recovery from LASIK due to most patients being able to stop contact lenses. The procedure can temporarily reduce tear production, leading to discomfort, irritation, and blurred vision. Most patients experience mild to moderate irritation in the weeks or months following surgery, but symptoms typically improve over time and can be considered a normal part of post-operative healing.
Newer screening, LASIK lasers and techniques including the SMILE procedure or EVO ICL have further minimized patients who experience long term increase in dryness sensation.
Some of these simple steps can help manage irritation after LASIK:
- Use lubricating eye drops, hot compresses and lid cleaning as recommended by Dr. Liu
- Stay hydrated and avoid dry environments
- Consider additional treatments, such as prescription eye drops or punctal plugs, if dry eye symptoms persist
Night Vision Disturbances
Some patients experience night vision disturbances, such as halos, glare, or starbursts around lights. These effects are more common in the early healing period and often improve within a few months. Similar to dry eye syndrome, studies have shown that the majority of patients have either the same or LESS halos and glare after having vision correction procedures. However, in rare cases, night vision issues can persist long-term.
If you experience night vision disturbances, here’s how to adapt:
- Avoid driving at night in the initial post-surgical period until your eyes adjust
- Special eye drops or additional procedures may help if symptoms are severe
Surgical and Structural Risks
Flap Complications
During LASIK, a thin flap is created in the cornea to reshape the underlying tissue. Although rare, issues such as flap displacement, wrinkles (striae), or infection can occur, especially if the eyes are rubbed or exposed to trauma shortly after surgery.
To lower the chances of flap complications, consider these precautions:
Follow all post-operative care instructions, including avoiding eye rubbing
Wear protective eyewear while sleeping and in environments where your eyes may be exposed to debris
In the event of flap complications, Dr. Liu can reposition or adjust the flap if necessary
Flapless procedures including SMILE, PRK, EVO ICL may be excellent alternatives
Ectasia (Corneal Weakening)
A rare but serious complication, corneal ectasia occurs when the cornea becomes too thin or weak after surgery, leading to bulging and vision distortion, especially in patients with undiagnosed corneal disorders.
Some things to know about the risk of ectasia are:
- Patients with thin corneas, irregular corneal topography, or a family history of corneal conditions may be at a higher risk of developing ectasia
- Preoperative screenings assess corneal thickness and shape to identify at-risk patients
- If ectasia develops, treatment options include specialty contact lenses, corneal cross-linking, or surgical procedures designed to reinforce and stabilize the cornea
Overcorrection or Undercorrection
LASIK aims to precisely reshape the cornea for clear vision, but in some cases, due to normal healing variability, patients may still need glasses or contacts due to an over response or under response of their refractive error.
If your vision isn't satisfactory after LASIK, there are several options available to refine your results. Depending on your specific case, you may be a candidate for a follow-up enhancement procedure, prescription glasses for minor adjustments, or specialized contact lenses. Consulting with your original surgeon is best to give them an opportunity to address any issues. A second opinion with a highly experienced surgeon like Dr. Liu, who uses advanced diagnostics, can help determine your best and safest option. It’s important to also consider the main goal of LASIK is not necessarily to get zero prescription or ‘perfect’ vision, but to drastically correct vision to the point patients are able to function independent of visual aids like glasses.
Is LASIK Your Best Option? Get Expert Guidance Today.
While LASIK is highly effective for many patients, it is not the best option for everyone. A thorough consultation with an experienced specialist like Dr. Erica Liu, a leading LASIK specialist with over 10,000 vision correction procedures performed, ensures that you receive personalized recommendations based on your unique eye health and vision needs.
If you are considering LASIK in the Long Beach or Torrance area, schedule a consultation today to explore the safest and most effective vision correction options for you.
