What are the possible long-term side effects of laser refractive surgery?
Glare/Haze- Although this does not seem to have an effect on long term visual outcome, a small number of patients can develop corneal haze. In some this haze can be significant although it will usually fade and can be effectively treated with topically applied anti-inflammatory medications. This more commonly results in glare–difficulty in seeing well in the face of bright lights at night. Loss of Spectacle Correction- Approximately 6% of patients can have a visual outcome which leaves them below their best correction before surgery. In other words, a patient who had acuity of 20/20 with glasses or contact lenses, might have uncorrected 20/25 acuity after surgery which may not be further correctable with glasses or contact lenses. Improper Correction- An occasional patient can have a result which leaves them under corrected and requiring the continued use of glasses or contact lenses. Under corrected patients can be retreated after a suitable waiting period. Likewise it is possible in
