Common LASIK Side Effects and How to Manage Them

Table Of Content
  • 1. Dry Eyes or Grittiness
  • 2. Halos, Glare or Night Vision Disturbance
  • 3. Fluctuating Vision
  • 4. Mild Light Sensitivity
  • 5. Discomfort or Scratchy Sensation
  • 6. Under- or Over-Correction (Rare)
  • 7. Inflammation or Infection (Very Rare)
  • How AccuVision Minimises LASIK Risk
  • What You Can Do to Support Healing
  • Final Thoughts
  • References

 

LASIK is one of the most widely performed and trusted forms of laser vision correction. At AccuVision, the procedure is tailored to each individual, using Wavefront-guided mapping and thin-flap technology to minimise risk and enhance recovery. Most people experience sharp vision within 24–48 hours, but some temporary side effects are to be expected while the eye heals.

Although LASIK is a safe and precise procedure, it’s important to remember that your eyes are still healing in the days and weeks that follow. Mild after-effects are part of that recovery process, and they don’t mean anything is wrong. Most patients describe their post-operative symptoms as manageable and short-lived. With the right care and by knowing what to expect, you can recover comfortably and confidently.

Understanding these after-effects and knowing what’s normal will help you feel more confident throughout your recovery.

 

1. Dry Eyes or Grittiness

Why it happens

LASIK involves creating a thin corneal flap, which can temporarily disrupt nerve signals that control tear production.

Why it happens

Dryness may begin within hours of surgery, peak in the first week, and ease over the following month.

How to manage it

  • Use preservative-free artificial tears frequently, especially in dry indoor conditions.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids (through food or supplements) may improve tear film quality.
  • Avoid fans or direct air blowing into the eyes.

When to get in touch

If dryness is accompanied by pain, stringy discharge, or blurred vision that doesn’t improve, contact your surgeon.

 

2. Halos, Glare or Night Vision Disturbance

Why it happens

In the early stages of healing, slight changes in the cornea can affect how light is processed, which may lead to glare or halos, especially at night.

Typical timeline

These visual effects usually reduce within the first 6 to 12 weeks. With advanced technology, AccuVision reports a significantly reduced incidence of persistent night vision issues.

How to manage it

  • Avoid night driving initially if it feels uncomfortable
  • Use anti-reflective coatings on glasses if needed temporarily.
  • Give your eyes time to adapt slowly when moving between bright and dim environments.

 

3. Fluctuating Vision

Why it happens

As the corneal tissue heals and settles, vision may shift slightly during the day. This is completely normal

Typical timeline

Fluctuations tend to resolve within 3 to 4 weeks for most patients.

How to manage it

  • Follow the full course of prescribed drops.
  • Avoid heavy screen use in the first few days.
  • Follow-up checks help us monitor healing and keep your recovery on course.

 

4. Mild Light Sensitivity

Why it happens

The corneal nerves are still settling after surgery, which can increase sensitivity to brightness.

Typical timeline

This typically occurs within the first few days post-surgery and settles fairly quickly.

How to manage it

  • Wear sunglasses even in low light outdoors.
  • Use blue-light filters when using screens.
  • Use gentle, indirect lighting at home to keep your eyes comfortable while they heal.

 

5. Discomfort or Scratchy Sensation

Why it happens

The creation of the flap can leave the eye feeling gritty, like something is in it.

Typical timeline

Discomfort typically peaks within the first 12–24 hours and often subsides by the next day.

How to manage it

  • Give your eyes a full day to rest right after the procedure
  • Avoid rubbing or touching the eyes.
  • Use lubricating drops exactly as directed.

 

6. Under- or Over-Correction (Rare)

Why it happens

Healing patterns can vary slightly. If the final visual outcome falls short of the intended result, a minor enhancement procedure may be considered.

Typical timeline

The eye must fully heal before an enhancement can be performed, typically within 3 to 6 months.

What helps

AccuVision offers lifetime aftercare and includes medically necessary enhancements in the original treatment fee. You’ll be monitored at every check-up using detailed corneal scans.

 

7. Inflammation or Infection (Very Rare)

Why it happens

Although rare, infection or inflammation can occur if bacteria enter the eye or if the corneal flap shifts during early healing.

What to look for

  • Sharp, increasing pain
  • White patches on the cornea
  • Sudden vision drop
  • Light flashes or floaters

What to do

AccuVision offers immediate review appointments if you have any symptoms that concern you. Their emergency line is monitored 24 hours a day in the early post-op period.

 

How AccuVision Minimises LASIK Risk

  • Custom corneal mapping using Wavefront™ technology.
  • Thin-flap techniques reduce long-term dry-eye risk.
  • All-laser procedures enhance surgical accuracy.
  • Consultant-led care throughout.
  • Tailored aftercare with direct access to the clinical team.

 

What You Can Do to Support Healing

Stick to the drop schedule.
This reduces the risk of inflammation and helps prevent infection.

Give your eyes regular breaks.
Rest them every 20 minutes if you’re using a screen.

Avoid swimming pools, saunas, and hot tubs.
Wait at least two weeks before re-entering high-risk environments.

Pause eye make-up
Avoid mascara, eyeliner, and shadow for 7–10 days.

Protect your eyes at night.
Use your eye shields as directed, especially in the first few nights

 

Final Thoughts

Most LASIK side effects are minor and temporary. A little dryness, some light sensitivity, or visual changes in the early days are entirely normal. Serious complications are infrequent, and even less likely when care is performed in a clinical setting like AccuVision, which uses advanced diagnostic tools, flap creation techniques, and long-term patient monitoring.

FAQs

Q1. Will my eyes feel dry after LASIK?
Yes. It’s common. Use the drops your doctor gives you; it usually settles in a few weeks.

Q2. Why am I seeing halos or glare at night?
That’s part of healing. It fades for most people within a month or two.

Q3. My vision goes in and out; should I be worried?
No. Some ups and downs are normal at first. It should even out soon.

Q4. Lights feel too bright; is that OK?
Yes. Light sensitivity happens early on. Sunglasses help. It gets better.

Are you curious if LASIK is right for you?
Book a free consultation at AccuVision today. You’ll meet with an experienced optometrist, receive detailed corneal mapping, and get clear answers about what your recovery may involve

 

References

  1. Tamimi, A., Farzad Sheikhzadeh, Sajjad Ghane Ezabadi, Muhammad Islampanah, Peyman Parhiz, Amirhossein Fathabadi, Mohadeseh Poudineh, Zahra Khanjani, Hossein Pourmontaseri, Shirin Orandi, Reyhaneh Mehrabani, Rahmanian, M., & Niloofar Deravi. (2023). Post-LASIK dry eye disease: A comprehensive review of management and current treatment options. 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2023.1057685
  2. Chen, J. L., & Chen, A. (2017). Older Eyes, Cataracts, Lasik and Laser Eye Surgery. The Patrick Moore Practical Astronomy Series, 37–54. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-52413-9_4
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