LASIK Risks, Complications, and How Surgeons Mitigate Them

Elective surgery should be approached with clear eyes. Here’s how risks are managed—and what to watch for.

Common, usually temporary effects

• Dryness: Very common in the early weeks; improves with tears and time.
• Night halos/glare: Often fade over weeks to months as healing and tear film stabilize.
• Fluctuating clarity: Typical during the first days/weeks.

Less common risks

• Infection/inflammation: Rare with modern protocols; promptly treated if identified early.
• Under/overcorrection or residual astigmatism: May be addressed with an enhancement when stable.
• Epithelial ingrowth under the flap: Uncommon; may require in‑office management.
• Corneal ectasia (progressive thinning/steepening): Very rare; careful screening aims to prevent this. Alternatives like PRK or ICL may be advised in higher‑risk corneas.

How surgeons reduce risk

• Thorough candidacy screening (maps, thickness, ocular surface).
• Optimized dry eye management before and after surgery.
• Calibrated, well‑maintained femtosecond and excimer lasers.
• Flap creation and treatment plans tailored to your eye.
• Clear post‑op instructions and follow‑ups to catch issues early.

Your role in safety

• Share full medical and eye history, including medications and prior surgeries.
• Follow contact lens “washout” timelines before measurements.
• Use drops as directed and keep your follow‑ups.
• Avoid eye rubbing and protect your eyes as advised.

Signs that need a call

Increasing pain, sudden drop in vision, a curtain‑like shadow, pus‑like discharge, or a new large floater with flashes should be evaluated urgently.

Choosing a safer path

In some cases, PRK, SMILE, ICL, or lens‑based procedures may better fit your corneal shape, thickness, or goals. Candidacy screening is designed to recommend the safest option for you.