What are the risks involved with laser eye surgery?

Serious complications are very rare, but they do exist and patients are required to sign a consent form confirming that they are aware of the all the risks involved with the surgery. It is important to ask your surgeons about any concerns you have before you have the operation as this will help to put your mind at ease and ensure you are making the right decision.

Complications include:

  • Corneal ecstasia: this is a condition that causes a build-up of fluid in the eye. Patients who have this condition often require a corneal transplant to fix the problem.
  • Dry eyes: many patients experience dry eyes which can be painful and uncomfortable.
  • Poor night vision: this is usually temporary. Poor night vision can affect people�s ability to drive and can prevent people from working if their job requires that they work during the evening or in dimly lit surroundings.
  • Damage to the cornea: this is rare but it does sometimes happen. This usually has to be corrected using stitches.
  • Over or under correction: this negatively affects the person�s vision and they may require further treatment to improve their sight in the future.
  • Halo effect: this is a common term that is used to describe the act of seeing a light halo-shaped ring around objects when light is low; this is one of the reasons why patients are advised to avoid driving at night for a period of time after the procedure.
  • Poor results: it is very rare, but some patients actually emerge from the surgery with worse vision than they had before.

Guide to Laser Eye Surgery