What are side effects of laser eye surgery?

Laser eye surgery has helped many Australians reduce their dependence on glasses and contact lenses. However, like any medical procedure, it carries some risks and potential side effects.

Understanding what to expect can help you make an informed decision about whether this treatment is right for you. In this article, we explain the possible short- and long-term side effects of laser eye surgery, what causes them, and how they’re managed.

Understanding laser eye surgery

Laser eye surgery is a term that covers several procedures designed to correct refractive errors such as short-sightedness (myopia), long-sightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism.

The most common techniques include:

• LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) – reshapes the cornea using a laser after creating a thin flap.
• TransPRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) – reshapes the surface of the cornea without creating a flap.
• KLEx (Keratorefractive Lenticule Extraction) – uses a keyhole incision to remove a small lens-shaped piece of tissue.

All procedures work by changing the curvature of the cornea so that light focuses more precisely on the retina, improving vision.

Common and temporary side effects

Most people experience some temporary side effects in the first few days or weeks after surgery. These are usually mild and part of the normal healing process.

1. Dry eyes
   Dryness is the most common side effect after laser vision correction. It occurs because the corneal nerves, which help regulate tear production, are temporarily affected during surgery.

• Typical duration: a few weeks to several months.
• Management: lubricating eye drops and follow-up checks help relieve symptoms until the eye returns to normal function.

2. Mild discomfort or sensitivity
   It’s normal to experience a gritty or watery feeling, or mild light sensitivity in the first 24–48 hours.

• Management: protective eyewear, rest, and prescribed eye drops.

3. Blurry or fluctuating vision
   Vision may seem slightly blurry or hazy for a few days while the cornea heals.

• Management: follow-up appointments ensure your healing is progressing as expected.

4. Glare or Halos Around Lights
   Some people notice glare or halos, especially when driving at night. These effects often lessen as the eye adjusts.

• Typical duration: several weeks to months.

Less common side effects

While most patients recover without complications, some may experience longer-lasting or unexpected effects. These include:

1. Persistent dryness
   In a small number of people, dry eye symptoms may persist beyond a few months. Ongoing care and tailored treatment can usually manage these symptoms effectively.
2. Visual disturbances
   Occasionally, people may notice slight visual irregularities such as double vision, ghosting, or reduced contrast in low light. These symptoms often improve over time.
3. Under- or overcorrection
   In some cases, the eye may heal differently than predicted, leaving a small amount of refractive error. Enhancement procedures can be discussed once the eye has stabilised, if clinically appropriate.

Serious complications (rare)

Serious complications from modern laser eye surgery are uncommon. When they occur, they can often be managed effectively if detected early. These may include:

• Infection or inflammation – rare but requires prompt medical attention.
• Corneal flap issues (LASIK only) – uncommon and usually treatable.
• Corneal haze (TransPRK) – can occur during healing, typically resolving with medication.

Your ophthalmologist will explain these risks in detail during your pre-surgery consultation and assess whether you’re a suitable candidate.

Reducing your risk

At Blink Vision Clinic in Canberra, all patients undergo a detailed eye health assessment before any procedure. This includes corneal mapping, tear film evaluation, and measurements of prescription stability.

The aim is to ensure that only suitable candidates proceed with treatment, helping to minimise risks and optimise visual outcomes.

You can help your recovery by:

• Following post-operative care instructions carefully.
• Avoiding rubbing your eyes.
• Using prescribed eye drops as directed.
• Attending all follow-up appointments.

When to seek immediate advice

You should contact your clinic promptly if you experience:

• Increasing pain or redness,
• Sudden loss or decrease in vision,
• Persistent discharge or swelling.

Early review ensures any issue can be addressed quickly and effectively.

Making an informed decision

Laser eye surgery is a precise and well-established procedure, but it’s important to have a realistic understanding of its benefits and risks.

The best way to determine if it’s right for you is through a personalised assessment with an experienced ophthalmologist or optometrist.

Take our quick laser eye surgery suitability self-test to find out if you could be a good candidate.