Are there any side effects to Lasek eye surgery?

Like any surgery, LASEK (laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy) has potential side effects, though they are generally mild and improve over time. Here are some possible side effects:

1. Temporary Discomfort: Immediately after the procedure, you may experience some discomfort or a burning sensation. Painkillers can usually manage this.

2. Blurry Vision: Your vision might be blurry or hazy for a few days. This is normal and should gradually improve over time.

3. Dry Eyes: LASEK can temporarily cause dry eyes. Artificial tears can often alleviate this.

4. Corneal Haze: A temporary loss of clarity in the outer cell layers of the cornea might occur. It usually clears up within a few weeks.

5. Sensitivity to Light: Following the procedure, your eyes might be sensitive to bright lights for a few days or weeks.

6. Seeing Halos or Starbursts: Temporary changes in how you perceive light, such as seeing halos or starbursts around light sources, might happen. These usually diminish over time.

7. Corneal Abrasion: There is a small chance of damage or infection of the eye's surface (corneal abrasion).

8. Under- or Overcorrection: Rarely, the results might not match the intended correction, leading to residual refractive error.

9. Retreatment: In rare cases, additional treatment may be needed to achieve the desired visual outcome.

10. Risk of Infection: As with any surgery, there's a chance of infection post-procedure, although this risk is generally low.

It's essential to follow your eye doctor's post-operative instructions and adhere to the prescribed medication regimen to minimize the risk of side effects. Be sure to discuss any concerns or questions with your doctor.