Side effects are never a wanted accompaniment to any type of treatment – whether expected or not. But the reality is that side effects occur with almost all kinds of medical and surgical treatments – and the same applies to Laser Eye Surgery.
Therefore, it is always best to be aware of what you can expect when you have treatment. For example,what are the common side effects and what exactly do they entail.
Unfortunately, side effects are often treated as an afterthought or something that should be hidden in the corner in microscopic print. This is often the case with over-the-counter drugs andhigh street Laser Eye Surgery providers, and it’s generally always for the same reason – they are driven by sales figures.
Ironically, this type of deception is often more painful and harmful than the side effects themselves. Being aware of the risks places you in the best position to manage them – making them instantly less troubling.
So, what are some of the common side effects associated with Laser Eye Surgery?
Night glare as a result of LASIK
Laser Eye Surgery has become one of the most commonly performed elective procedures in the world. This has also helped to make it one of the safest with very little risk of side effects. But, one side effect that every LASIK patient experiences are night glare.
Night-time effects after Laser Eye Surgery are unavoidable due to swelling that occurs from the procedure.This happens to every patient, regardless of the original prescription, age, or individual experience of surgery.
Night glare can also come in the form of ‘halos’ or ‘starbursts’. Halos are the rings which appear around light sources, while starbursts are the glare you see around lights.
The severity and longevity of these night glare issues can vary significantly from patient to patient. Some may only see halos and starbursts for a few days while for others, they may persist for longer. But, to whatever extent they occur, you can be assured that they are just temporary and areall part of the eye’s natural healing process.
Typically swelling takes around three months to settle fully. It is not uncommon to have a little residual night glare after this time, but if it is causing significant disruption, tests can be carried out to get to the source of the issue and figure out how it could be resolved.
How to Minimise Chances of Night Glare
As stated, some night glare is to be expected as part of your eyes’ natural healing process following LASIK treatment. There will always be a period of adjustment and healing time following treatment, but there are some things that can be done to manage and reduce the effects of night glare.
One factor that can play a role in excessive night glare is the size of the pupils. Night glare often occurs after LASIK if your pupils dilate beyond the area of the cornea which has been treated.
It is therefore important to have a thorough consultationthat will determine whether or not your clinic can treat a large enough area of your cornea before qualifying you for surgery. This is one of the reasons why the initial consultation is such animportant part of the Laser Eye Surgery process.
Night glare may be an annoyance but, in most situations, it is often not a serious problem. However, it can become an issue if you are driving at night.
When driving, some patients find that keeping the overhead light on inside the car can stop their pupils from dilating too much, which can help to reduce night glare. You can also try medicated eye drops which can work in the same way, reducing the effect of glare on your vision in low light.
If you would like to learn more about the side effects of Laser Eye Surgery, speak to one of our friendly Clinic Coordinators today. Call 020 7224 1005 – we’d love to hear from you.
As an experienced expert in the field of Laser Eye Surgery, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to shed light on the common side effects associated with this elective procedure. With a deep understanding of the intricacies involved, I can provide valuable insights into the nature of these side effects and how they can be managed.
First and foremost, it's crucial to acknowledge that side effects are an inherent part of almost all medical and surgical treatments, including Laser Eye Surgery. This procedure has gained popularity as one of the most commonly performed elective surgeries globally, and its safety record is commendable. However, like any medical intervention, Laser Eye Surgery is not without its share of side effects.
The article rightly points out the importance of being well-informed about potential side effects, as this awareness empowers individuals to better manage and cope with them. Unfortunately, some providers, driven by sales figures, may downplay or conceal these side effects, which can be more detrimental than the side effects themselves.
Now, let's delve into one specific side effect discussed in the article: night glare after LASIK. Night glare is a common occurrence following Laser Eye Surgery and is attributed to swelling resulting from the procedure. This effect is universal, impacting every LASIK patient, irrespective of factors such as the original prescription, age, or individual surgical experience.
Night glare manifests in various forms, such as 'halos' and 'starbursts.' Halos are rings that appear around light sources, while starbursts refer to the glare around lights. The severity and duration of night glare can vary from patient to patient, but it's essential to understand that these issues are temporary and part of the eye's natural healing process.
The article emphasizes that the swelling typically takes around three months to fully settle, and while some residual night glare may persist, it's usually manageable. However, if the glare causes significant disruption, diagnostic tests can be conducted to identify the source of the issue and explore potential resolutions.
To minimize the chances of night glare, the article suggests considering factors such as pupil size. Night glare may be more pronounced if pupils dilate beyond the treated area of the cornea. Therefore, a thorough consultation before surgery is crucial to determine if the clinic can adequately treat the size of the cornea and qualify the individual for the procedure.
Additionally, the article provides practical tips for managing night glare, such as keeping the overhead light on inside the car when driving at night or using medicated eye drops to reduce the glare effect in low light conditions.
In conclusion, being well-informed about the potential side effects of Laser Eye Surgery, such as night glare, is essential for individuals considering or undergoing the procedure. This knowledge empowers patients to actively manage and mitigate these effects, contributing to a more positive overall experience with Laser Eye Surgery.
