Glare After LASIK Surgery
All over the world, millions of people have experienced the benefits of LASIK surgery. Thanks to LASIK, these patients are able to see clearly without the need for prescription glasses or contact lenses. It's a great option to consider given the amount of freedom that it provides patients.
That said, LASIK does involve some side effects. This is to be expected with any surgery since side effects are a part of the healing process. Right now our team of eye care experts would like to take a moment to consider the nature of glare in regards to LASIK surgery.
About LASIK Surgery
LASIK is a refractive surgery, meaning that it involves the reshaping of the cornea, the clear, frontal, outer portion of the eye. When light passes through the cornea improperly, it doesn't focus on the retina as it should. The retina is the light-sensitive tissue located at the back of the eye. In order to see your best, light needs to focus right on the retina rather than behind it or in front of it.
What LASIK Can Treat
By improving the passage of light through the eye, a LASIK surgeon can correct refractive errors. You likely know these better by the following terms:
- Myopia (nearsightedness)
- Hyperopia (farsightedness)
- Astigmatism
Issues with Glare
One of the side effects of LASIK surgery is glare. This means that when a patient looks at bright lights, the light is especially harsh. This can be particularly problematic on bright days, in bright rooms, or while driving at night.
Is this a common side effect after LASIK?
Yes. In order to reshape the cornea, a flap needs to be made in the topmost surface of the cornea (aka the epithelium). As the corneal shape is altered and the epithelial flap heals, the patient's eyesight can differ somewhat.
Other common side effects related to LASIK includes poor contrast sensitivity, problems with night vision, halos around lights, and starbursts around lights.
How to Deal with Glare After LASIK
To minimize the effects of glare, we recommend that LASIK patients avoid harsh lights, whether outdoors or indoors. Patients are advised to wear sunglasses when they are out, and a hat with a brim can prove helpful as well.
At night, when glare can be very bad, it's important that patients walk or drive with caution. If the glare is very bad and coupled with diminished night vision, it's recommended that patients avoid driving at night and instead take mass transit or rely on friends and loved ones for rides.
How long will these issues with glare last?
In general, issues with glare will last a few weeks to a few months. With time as patients heal, these glare issues should be less pronounced. The same goes for other LASIK side effects related to vision.
Custom LASIK Minimizes Glare Issues
Recent advances in LASIK technology and digital mapping have allowed surgeons to treat the most minute of errors on the corneal surface, the very imperfections that result in glare, night vision problems, and so forth. This means that by undergoing custom LASIK, patients will experience fewer or less severe issues with these common LASIK side effects.
Learn More About LASIK Surgery
For more information about LASIK surgery and your many other options for advanced eye care, be sure to contact our Merrillville and Hobart LASIK surgery centers today. The entire team here looks forward to meeting you in person and helping you achieve the best possible eyesight and vision results.
