One of the most popular options out there to address refractive error is LASIK. LASIK is an effective laser eye surgery option, helping millions worldwide achieve excellent vision without the aid of prescription glasses or contact lenses.
Even though LASIK is very effective, LASIK is a surgery and all surgeries have side effects. It’s important that all patients be familiar with these side effects prior to undergoing the procedure so that they have realistic expectations about LASIK as well as their recovery experience. Right now we’d like to cover the basics of one kind of LASIK side effect: halos.
About LASIK Surgery
First let’s discuss what LASIK surgery entails since that will help explain why halos occur after LASIK surgery. During LASIK surgery, a flap is created in the topmost layer of the cornea. Through this flap, the cornea is reshaped so that light passes through the eye properly and focuses on the retina.
About Halos and Glare
As patients recover from LASIK, they’ll often notice major changes in light sensitivity. This is due to the eyes adjusting to changes in corneal shape during the healing process. This can take some time.
The most important issue that our eye doctors/surgeons mention to all patients is night vision, particularly in regard to halos, starbursts, and glare around lights. These halos and cases of glare can be very severe for some patients, which makes bright sunlight or hard artificial lights uncomfortable, and can make driving at night very dangerous.
How long do halos last after LASIK?
This can vary from patient to patient depending on how they heal. For most patients, these issues get resolved in a few weeks to a few months, with night vision glare issues taking longer to resolve.
Tips for Dealing with Halos After LASIK
When it comes to dealing with halos after LASIK, our surgeons recommend that:
- Patients wear sunglasses whenever outdoors
- Patients wear a hat with a brim whenever outdoors
- Patients avoid bright or harsh artificial light
- Patients should exercise extreme caution when they drive at night
- Patients should consider having someone else drive them at night until night vision issues are resolved
Can halos be minimized after LASIK?
One way that LASIK glare and halos can be reduced after surgery is by undergoing custom LASIK. This advanced laser vision correction technology can target minute imperfections in the corneal shape, generally improving vision in the long run. Patients will still experience glare and halos after custom LASIK surgery, but they will have better recovery experience and better quality vision after they have fully healed.
About Custom LASIK Technology
Custom LASIK involves the use of advanced digital mapping technology. This mapping technology can pinpoint minute imperfections in the corneal surface that traditional LASIK is unable to address. These imperfections are known as higher order aberrations, and only custom LASIK is able to correct higher order aberrations.
Schedule an Appointment for Laser Vision Correction
If you would like more information about LASIK surgery and what it can do for you, be sure to contact our Rapid City laser eye surgery center today. We are eager to discuss these matters with you in in more detail and help you make the best possible decisions about your vision.
