Laser Eye Surgery Risks: Understanding Potential Hazards & Safety

Laser eye surgery (LASIK, etc.) has excellent safety record, but potential risks include:

• Under/overcorrection: Most common; laser removes too much/little corneal tissue, causing blurred vision.
• Dry eyes: Temporary, especially first weeks; treatable with artificial tears.
• Glare/halos: Usually temporary, resolves within months.
• Retinal detachment: Serious but very rare; retina separates from eye back; can cause severe vision loss if untreated.
• Corneal ectasia: Cornea becomes abnormally thin/weak; blurred/double vision, ghosting. Very rare; higher risk with thin corneas/eye trauma history.

Discuss risks with your eye doctor before deciding. Doctor evaluates candidacy and recommends best procedure type.