External Environmental Factors Affecting Laser Vision Correction

Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) surgery improves a person's eyesight by changing the shape of the cornea. A flap is cut by a laser in the cornea, the clear covering of the eye. The flap is pulled back while the cornea is reshaped and the flap is replaced. Following surgery, certain external environmental factors can impact the laser-altered eye, some short-term and some possibly on a permanent basis.

Sunlight

• According to LasikEyeCorrectionSurgery.com, ultraviolet rays from sunlight can damage the eyes following LASIK surgery. That damage can involve reversal of the process. Sunlight can cause a corneal haze, retinal damage and the development of cataracts. The remedy is to wear sunglasses, preferably a wraparound type that provides total protection.

Lack of Sunlight

• Night vision may be affected following LASIK surgery. The Food and Drug Administration says that following surgery, some patients who venture outside after dark encounter glare, halos and double vision. These conditions are listed as serious.

Wind

• A common side effect of LASIK surgery is dry eye, which is defined as having insufficient tears to lubricate the eye. In some cases, it develops into severe dry eye syndrome. The condition causes discomfort and can cause blurring. For many patients, the condition is permanent, requiring daily use of eye drops for lubrication. Anyone suffering from dry eye, whether or not it is due to LASIK surgery, needs to avoid windy conditions. Exposure to wind dries out normal eyes, so the effect on a person with dry eye is magnified. Avoid any windy or dry environments following surgery, including high altitudes. The cornea swells at higher altitudes and dry eye is always a concern, even for people without LASIK surgery.

Water

• Water can cause problems in the first couple of months following surgery. The danger involves infection to the cornea caused by bacteria and other substances found in water. Another concern is damaging the flap of the cornea while it heals. If dry eye is a problem, chlorine in a swimming pool needs to be avoided. Suspend any aquatic activities until cleared by your eye surgeon.