Eye surgery risks.
Laser eye surgery can correct vision problems like myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), astigmatism (curving or flattening of the cornea) or presbyopia (eye changes caused by advancing age). Like any other medical procedure, it is not without risk of side effects.
Laser Eye Surgery Facts
According to the Mayo Clinic, LASIK is the most common type of refractive surgery, which alters your cornea's shape to change the way you eye responds to light. This procedure is designed to sharpen your vision.
The Halo Effect
The halo effect is characterized by a halo of light appearing around a bright or reflective object (such as street lights) at night. This can be quite pronounced in some patients and potentially impact overall quality of life and nighttime driving ability.
Causes
The effect commonly lasts between 10 to 15 days and is caused by your peripheral cornea being left untreated. This creates a slight difference in sight between the treated and untreated areas of your eye.
Significance
This can make night driving more difficult. If you experience the side effect for longer than two weeks, talk to your doctor.
Treatment
Treatment with eye drops containing a corticosteroid may help to correct the side effect; however, if this is not effective, you may need a second surgery to correct the problem.
FDA "Quality of Life" Study
On October 15, 2009, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it had partnered with the National Eye Institute to undertake a Quality of Life Collaboration Project. The study runs from July 2009 through 2012 and examines the potential impact on patients who have undergone laser eye surgery.
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