Non-vision-threatening side effects

I understand that these conditions usually occur during the normal stabilization period of from one to three months, but they may also be permanent requiring chronic care or additional surgery:

1. Increased sensitivity to light, glare, and fluctuations in the sharpness of vision; eye irritation related to drying of the corneal surface; overcorrection or under correction causing nearsightedness or increase in astigmatism and that this could be either permanent or treatable;

2. Glare, a “starbursting” or halo effect around lights, or other low-light vision problems that may interfere with the ability to drive at night or see well in dim light. For most patients, this is a temporary condition that diminishes with time or is correctable by wearing glasses at night or taking eye drops. For some patients, however, these visual problems are permanent.


3. Inadequate correction from LASIK procedure that may require future enhancement procedures, such as more laser treatment or the use of glasses or contact lenses even years after the surgery.

4. There may be a “balance” problem between my two eyes after LASIK has been performed on one eye but not the other, which could cause eyestrain and make judging distance or depth perception more difficult.

5. The corneal incision will not be as strong as the cornea originally was at that site and the treated eye may be more vulnerable to all varieties of injuries, at least for the first year following LASIK. I understand it would be advisable for me to wear protective eyewear when engaging in sports or other activities in which the
possibility of a ball, projectile, elbow, fist, or other traumatizing object contacting the eye may be high.

6. I understand that there is a natural tendency of the eyelids to droop with age and that eye surgery may hasten this process.

7. I understand that there may be pain or a foreign body sensation, particularly during the first 48 hours after surgery.

8. The long-term effects of LASIK are unknown and that unforeseen complications or side effects could possibly occur.


13. Even 90 percent clarity of vision is still slightly blurry. 9. Enhancement surgeries can be performed when vision is stable UNLESS it is unwise or unsafe. If the enhancement is performed within the first six months following surgery, there generally is no need to make another cut with the microkeratome. The original
flap can usually be lifted with specialized techniques. After six months of healing, a new LASIK incision may be required, incurring greater risk. In order to perform an enhancement surgery, there must be adequate tissue remaining. If there is inadequate tissue, it may not be possible to perform an enhancement. An assessment and consultation will be held with the surgeon at which time the benefits and risks of an enhancement surgery will be discussed.

10. As with all types of surgery, there is a possibility of complications due to anesthesia, drug reactions, or other factors that may involve other parts of my body. I understand that, since it is impossible to state every complication that may occur as a result of any surgery, the list of complications in this form may not
be complete.