What are the risks associated with laser vision correction?
The most common side effects during the immediate post-operative period are discomfort, light sensitivity, blurred vision during healing, inadequate correction, over correction, glare, haze, starburst, and induced astigmatism. These side effects usually diminish as the eye heals during the first 2-3 months. While significant complications are very rare, some of the problems that can occur include infection, intra-operative complications, inadequate healing, persistent irregular astigmatism, and unstable vision. This is not a complete list of side effects or complications. It is very important to discuss the potential risks and any unique aspects of your specific case with your doctor prior to consenting to surgery.
As with any type of surgery, there are potential, but extremely rare, risks associated with vision correction surgery. These risks are reviewed in our “Informed Consent” materials that you will have ample opportunity to review prior to scheduling your treatment. To put these risks in context, it is important to recognize that the prolonged use of contact lenses to achieve improved vision has its own risks, including corneal infection and scarring, both of which may result in the need for a corneal transplant. Numerous studies of laser vision correction outcomes have demonstrated that the best way to minimize the risk of any complication is to choose a cornea subspecialty trained surgeon who has lots of vision correction experience and provides a thorough pre-operative exam to confirm your candidacy for the procedure and create a detailed treatment plan for your unique eye anatomy. Patients who meet their surgeon on the very day of surgery are unable to take full advantage of the medica
