Patients who visit Central Florida Eye Institute can expect to receive care that is catered to their needs and preferences. We take great pride in achieving optimal outcomes, which stems from taking time with each person to discuss the ins and outs of their proposed treatment plan. Studies have shown that patients who are the most informed about their treatment tend to navigate the entire experience better, including potential side effects. Here, we discuss some of the most common side effects associated with the LASIK laser vision correction procedure, glare and halos.
About Glare and Halos
It isn’t uncommon for people to see unusual glows around streetlights and other sources of light when they are experiencing vision problems. To see these aberrations after having LASIK to improve vision can feel alarming. If you were not informed that these are normal side effects, you might wonder if something went wrong during your procedure. Rest assured, glare and halos are incredibly normal after LASIK surgery.
Why Do Glare and Halos Occur?
LASIK surgery improves vision by adjusting the contour of the cornea, a piece of tissue at the front of the eye. The cornea “bends” rays of light as needed so they come to a point on the retina that translates into a clear visual image. To adjust the curvature of the cornea, the ophthalmologist makes a tiny flap in the epithelium, the outermost layer of tissue at the front of the eye. This flap is returned to place after corneal shaping, and it heals on its own in a matter of days. It isn’t so much the flap itself that can cause glare and halos to form, but the natural inflammation that must heal after surgery.
Glare and halos are usually most noticeable during the first week of recovery after LASIK. They typically resolve completely in two to three weeks, though it is possible that they may last a month or more. Unless they get worse or persist longer than four to six weeks, they are generally not considered problematic. If glare and halo do persist, the patient should contact the office to schedule a follow-up eye exam.
Can I do Anything about Glare and Halos after LASIK?
There isn’t much that needs to be done to treat glare and halos after LASIK surgery since they are a normal part of the healing process. What patients should do is follow their post-treatment care instructions to the letter, such as avoiding certain activities or using eye drops. There are very few guidelines to follow after LASIK, but each is important to the quality and speed of healing.
Schedule a Consultation at Central Florida Eye Institute in Ocala
We love helping people see better and feel better. To schedule a consultation to discuss LASIK surgery, contact us at (352) 237-8400.