LASIK surgery is an amazing procedure that allows people to gain freedom from glasses and contact lenses. The vast majority of LASIK patients are extremely happy with their results. However, it is important to understand the risks involved with undergoing refractive eye surgery. Let’s talk a little bit about LASIK and night vision and how the two relate.
What is LASIK Surgery?
LASIK surgery is a common surgical procedure that improves vision by permanently reshaping the cornea (the clear surface of the eye). LASIK surgery corrects myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism by removing microscopic amounts of corneal tissue to reshape the surface of the eye. After reshaping the eye, your cornea is now able to bend and focus light properly onto the cornea, resulting in clear vision.
LASIK surgery is wildly successful. Over 21 million people have undergone LASIK surgery to date, and less than one percent of people who have undergone LASIK surgery have experienced complication. LASIK side effects, however, are more common. It is important to note that LASIK complications and LASIK side effects are very different: LASIK complications refer to serious issues like infection or corneal flap dislodging, while side effects associated with LASIK include glare, halos, and dry eyes (and often are only present during healing).
LASIK and Night Vision: Common Side Effects
Not everyone who undergoes LASIK experiences issue with their night vision. In fact, some report that their night vision was greatly improved after LASIK surgery. However, when night vision issues do occur, they are usually temporary. These issues are considered a part of the healing process, and typically disappear within the first six months after surgery. Common night vision issues after LASIK include glare, halos, and starbursts around lights (such as headlights when driving at night).
It is important to remember that these side effects are common, but the majority of people see them disappear rather quickly. As your cornea heals, you should see a vast improvement in your night vision. If you are extremely concerned about your night vision, be sure to contact your ophthalmologist and ask questions.
Studies show that LASIK surgery is safe, effective, and any side effects typically taper off quickly.
What Can Be Done?
If you find that your night vision issues have not subsided after a significant time post-LASIK, you should contact your ophthalmologist. This issue can usually be fixed during a quick LASIK enhancement. Keep in mind that patients with high degrees of refractive errors are more likely to need glasses and contact lenses after LASIK surgery, especially at night. While LASIK cannot always eliminate your need for glasses and contact lenses, it can help reduce your dependency.
If you are interested in LASIK surgery in NYC or if you’re concerned about its potential side effects, the best thing you can do is contact a local refractive surgeon. Your expert NYC ophthalmologist will answer your questions and help you understand what you can expect after your LASIK surgery. To contact Stahl Eyecare Experts, call 888-557-4448 or schedule your FREE LASIK exam online!
