Facts About LASIK Complications

Like all surgeries, LASIK (laser eye surgery for vision correction) has risks. Research has shown that serious complications are rare and that the majority of patients are happy with the results. But anyone considering elective surgery should get the facts from their ophthalmologist about risks, outcomes and realistic expectations.

Some news articles have linked several suicides to LASIK complications. These stories, while heartbreaking, may be drawing conclusions that aren’t entirely supported and proposing patterns that have not been documented by research or clinical reports.

The risks of LASIK have been extensively studied in the 20 years since the surgery was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. More than 300 peer-reviewed studies have shown that, on average, 95 percent of patients were satisfied with their outcome after LASIK surgery.

It’s also true that a small number of patients have real, persistent side-effects after LASIK.

Temporary side-effects can include:

• hazy or blurry vision;
• difficulty with night vision and/or driving at night;
• scratchiness, dryness and other symptoms of dry eye;
• glare, halos or starbursts around lights;
• light sensitivity;
• discomfort or pain; or
• small pink or red patches on the white of the eye.

In a small number of patients, some of these effects may be permanent.

Ophthalmologists and researchers continue to study patient satisfaction and LASIK surgery outcomes. The surgery has evolved over the years to improve outcomes and reduce side-effects. A 2017 analysis of FDA data showed that the newest lasers have reduced unwanted side-effects significantly, compared to older-generation lasers.

While many people are good candidates, LASIK is not for everyone. The Academy recommends patients talk with their ophthalmologist to understand the potential risks and what is the right surgery for them.

An informed patient is a better, more satisfied patient. To help, the Academy provides educational resources both to the public and to ophthalmologists.

• The Academy partnered with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2008 to produce a free PDF: Is LASIK For Me? A Patient’s Guide to Refractive Surgery.
• Academy experts continually evaluate all of the health information we provide and create new materials, such as Questions to Ask When Considering LASIK.

The Academy offers materials—including brochures and videos—to ophthalmologists that help meaningfully inform patients about the realities of eye surgery.