LASIK Eye Surgery

In Denver, Indianapolis, and Portland

LASIK Complications: Glare & Halos

If you're ready to have laser vision correction, then you've already considered all of your options, talked with your surgeon about the procedure that's best for you and completed all of your pre-procedure evaluations. You've reviewed and signed a consent form indicating that you understand the benefits and risks of having the procedure.

Although complications from laser vision correction are very rare and most can be corrected with topical treatments or another procedure, it's important to know and understand the possibilities.

What Causes Glare & Halos

With earlier procedures utilizing more primitive technology, post-surgical problems with glare and halos were much more prevalent than they are now with LASIK. As technology advances, wider ranges of prescriptions and conditions can be treated. In addition, outcomes become better and better and more predictable.

There are times, though, when the outcome of a procedure is not as predicted and side effects like glare or halos occur because of a residual refractive error or incomplete treatment.

There is debate among doctors about pupil size and whether or not it affects post-operative complications like glare and halos. Some say that there absolutely is a relationship between the size of dilated pupils, the size of the treatment zone and night vision problems (when glare and halos are most noticeable). Others say that while pupil size is a factor it is an unpredictable one. Some purport that just because one has small miotic (dilated) pupils it does not mean that they will not have issues with glare and that patients with large miotic pupils will definitely have problems. Be sure to ask your 20/20 LASIK surgeon his opinion and what he typically sees in the patients he treats.

Many times, these complications can be resolved with a LASIK enhancement, or surgical retreatment, of the eye.

In some cases these complications are not due to surgical treatment at all but rather to dry eyes, edema (swelling), or inflammation. Treatment with artificial tears and/or other topical eye drops can alleviate the problems. Open communication with your surgeon is the key to getting the right treatment for your symptoms. Remember, if your symptoms change or worsen, it's important to call your doctor immediately to discuss them.

To ask any further questions you may have about glare and halos or other possible LASIK Eye Surgery complications, please call or email our eye surgeon at the 20/20 Institute today. We'll be happy to talk to you over the phone or to schedule an absolutely free comprehensive evaluation. Be sure to ask about our 20/20 LASIK Commitment for Life plan when you're here! Serving the areas of Denver, Portland, and Indianapolis.