The potential benefits of laser vision correction are very compelling, especially the thought of living without contact lenses and eyeglasses. When considering laser eye surgery, you should understand not only the benefits, but also the possible risks, so your decision is as informed as possible.

As with any medical procedure, there is a risk for complications. In addition, patients may experience short-term side effects after surgery. More rare are conditions, which may last long-term, and this page details some of those risks. Laser technology and surgeon skill have advanced significantly over the 10 years that patients have been having laser vision correction, but no one can completely account for how each eye will heal once the procedure is complete.

As a result, most LASIK risks are due to the varied healing processes of individual people. Below we examine some of the risks that should be discussed with your surgeon.

Examining some LASIK Risks:

• Lost vision: Occasionally, some LASIK patients will actually see a reduction in their best-corrected vision (referred to as best corrected visual acuity, or BCVA). In other words, you may not see as well following laser eye surgery as you did with eyeglasses or contact lenses prior to surgery.

• Reduced low-light vision: Following their procedure, some LASIK patients may not see as well in reduced light, such as at night or in foggy, hazy conditions. These patients often see "halos," "starbursts," or a bothersome "glare" around lights, such as headlights.

• Severe dry eye syndrome: In some cases, LASIK surgery may result in an inability to produce enough tears to keep eyes moist. Mild dry eye is a side effect that usually disappears in about a week, although some patients may experience symptoms permanently. When evaluating if laser vision correction right for you, tell your doctor if you have suffered from dry eye symptoms before, are bothered by contact lenses, are going through menopause, or are taking birth control pills. In any event, all of our patients are tested pre-operatively for dry eye.