LASIK Side Effects: Halos After Eye Surgery
At Deen-Gross Eye Centers, we believe in providing patients with full information on the benefits as well as the risks of eye surgery. Patients throughout Merrillville and Hobart have received complete answers on the LASIK procedure, including pre-op concerns and post-operative side effects. By understanding LASIK eye surgery risks and benefits in full detail, patients can have a better patient experience as they heal.
Right now we would like to consider one of the common side effects after LASIK: halos. It's important that you consider these issues with light sensitivity after LASIK as they are part of the natural healing process.
About Halos After LASIK
Halos after LASIK refer to a kind of bright-colored haze or glow that surrounds lights. These halos can also surround bright colored objects, particularly when these objects are seen at night or in low-light situation.
Halos after LASIK are one of many different light-related and color-related issues that patients experience as a side effect of the procedure.
Why do halos occur?
In order to understand why halos occur after LASIK, it's important to consider the nature of the surgery itself.
During LASIK, a small flap is created in the topmost layer of the cornea, which is known as the epithelium. This epithelial flap is pulled back in order to expose the cornea and allow a laser to reshape and revise its overall contour. By doing this, the path of light through the eye is altered, properly focusing it on the retina, which is the light-sensitive tissue of the eye necessary for good vision.
When the flap is created, patients will necessarily notice acute sensitivity to light and issues with light perception. These side effects of LASIK will fade with time as patients make a full recovery.
Are these light sensitivity issues serious?
Thankfully halos are not serious for the most part. While the glare and halos may be an inconvenience, they are generally not dangerous in any way.
How long will the halos last?
Halos after LASIK will typically last for a few weeks, fading as the patient heals. The same holds true with issues related to starbursts and glare and most other light-related side effects of LASIK surgery.
Modern Custom LASIK Means Reduced Issues with Halos
Custom LASIK surgery is one of the new advances in laser eye surgery. This involves the digital mapping of the corneal surface, allowing LASIK surgeons to address minute imperfections in the corneal surface that are related to halos, glare, and starbursts. While patients will still experience these kinds of issues after LASIK has been performed, they will be less pronounced and should not be an issue once healing is completed.
Custom LASIK and other technological advances basically mean a better surgical experience for patients than was available a decade ago.
Is there any way I can reduce the severity or duration of post-LASIK halos?
The best way for patients to deal with halos and other light sensitivity issues after LASIK is to follow their surgeon's pre-op and post-op instructions to the letter. These help ensure optimal conditions for surgical success and ideal conditions for healing without potential complications.
Learn More About LASIK Surgery
If you would like more information about LASIK and how it can be of great benefit to you and your needs, be sure to contact our laser eye surgery center today. During your visit to Deen-Gross Eye Centers, we will be sure to answer all of your questions and address all of your concerns in full detail so that you can make well-informed choices about your vision correction needs.
