Are there side-effects to getting corrective eye surgery?

While corrective eye surgery (such as LASIK, PRK, SMILE, and ICL) is generally safe and effective, there are some potential side-effects that can occur. Here are some possible side-effects:

1. Dry Eyes: After surgery, you may experience temporary dryness in your eyes. This usually improves over time, but artificial tears may be recommended to alleviate discomfort.

2. Glare and Halos: Some people may experience glare, halos, or starbursts around lights, especially during the night or in low-light conditions. These effects usually diminish in a few weeks to months.

3. Under-Correction or Over-Correction: In rare cases, the correction may not be precise, resulting in under-correction (residual nearsightedness or farsightedness) or over-correction (excessive nearsightedness or farsightedness). This may require additional surgery to achieve the desired correction.

4. Corneal Ectasia: This is a rare but serious complication where the cornea becomes weakened and bulges outward, causing vision distortions. It's more likely in people with certain pre-existing corneal conditions.

5. Infection or Inflammation: As with any surgical procedure, there's a small risk of infection or inflammation. This is minimized by following post-operative care instructions and using prescribed medications.

6. Pain or Discomfort: There may be some discomfort or pain immediately after surgery, but it is typically managed with pain medication. Post-operative discomfort usually subsides within a few days.

7. Regression: In some cases, the cornea may slowly change shape over time, leading to a gradual decrease in the achieved correction. This is more common with certain techniques, such as PRK.

8. Night Vision Changes: Some people may notice changes in their night vision after surgery, such as increased sensitivity to glare or starbursts around lights. This should improve over time.

9. Vision Fluctuations: It is common to experience fluctuating vision during the first few weeks or months after surgery, as the eye heals. Clear vision typically stabilizes over time.

10. Rare Complications: In very rare instances, there may be more serious complications, such as retinal detachment or nerve damage, but these are extremely uncommon.

It's important to discuss the potential side-effects of corrective eye surgery with your doctor before the procedure to make an informed decision. Your surgeon will assess your individual situation and explain any potential risks or issues that may apply to you.