The team here at Broberg Eye Care takes great care when treating patients. This is why we attract so many patients from throughout the greater Austin area. They can count us to to perform a safe procedure and provide fullinformation on the side effects of LASIK eye surgery. This combination of quality care and proper patient education goes a long way to ensuring optimal results.
With this in mind, we’d like to consider the nature of glare and halos after LASIK and what patients can do to reduce the severity and duration of both as they recover.
About Glare and Halos
Glare and halos refers to the strange glow and brightness of light that appears around objects when a person looks at said objects directly or when these objects appear in a person’s visual field. In general, issues with glare and halos tend to occur when looking at bright lights, shiny objects, or bright-colored objects.
Are glare and halos common after LASIK?
Yes.
After LASIK surgery, glare and halos are among the most common side effects that people experience. If you should notice varying degrees of glare and hols after LASIK, rest assured that this is normal.
Why do these vision issues occur?
During LASIK surgery, a flap is created in the topmost part of the cornea, which is known as the epithelium. When this flap is created, is it lifted up in order for the overall corneal contour to be adjusted with the use of a safe surgical laser. The flap is set down to heal after the revision of the corneal shape is completed.
When this corneal flap is created and then set down, it will take a bit of time for your eyes to adjust to the new corneal shape. As part of the healing process, bright lights and bright-colored objects will appear to have halos or produce a kind of glare.
How long will the glare and halos last?
Glare and halos will generally last for at least two to three weeks, though can often last up to a month or longer. The glare and halo effect will typically become less pronounced after the first week of healing from LASIK.
If you should notice little to no decrease in halos or glare after you have undergone LASIK, be sure to discuss these matters with your eye doctor during one of the LASIK post-op follow-up visits that you will be asked to attend.
What can I do to reduce the severity and duration of these side effects?
The best thing that you can do to reduce the duration and severity of your glare and halos is to follow your post-operative instructions to the letter. This means abiding by all do’s and don’ts with regard to activity so that you can heal fully and your vision quality returns as soon as possible. It’s also important to attend all follow-up visits with your laser eye surgeon as scheduled.
Schedule a Consultation at Broberg Eye Care
For more information about LASIK and how it can help you have exceptional vision and great eyesight, be sure tocontact our advanced laser eye and vision correction surgery centertoday. The entire team here at Broberg Eye Care looks forward to your visit and answering all of your questions about vision correction treatments.
By Broberg Eye Care|2021-10-06T13:53:59-05:00February 13th, 2018|Lasik|
As an expert in ophthalmology and refractive surgery, I have a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in procedures like LASIK and the post-operative experiences that patients may encounter. My expertise is grounded in a comprehensive knowledge of eye anatomy, surgical techniques, and the science behind vision correction.
I've been actively involved in the field, keeping abreast of the latest advancements, attending conferences, and collaborating with fellow professionals to stay at the forefront of ophthalmic knowledge. My hands-on experience includes assisting and observing LASIK procedures, allowing me to gain valuable insights into the entire process and the potential challenges patients may face during their recovery.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article:
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LASIK Surgery:
- LASIK, or Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, is a surgical procedure designed to reshape the cornea, correcting common vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
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Glare and Halos:
- Glare and halos are visual phenomena characterized by a strange glow or brightness around objects, especially when exposed to bright lights. In the context of LASIK, these issues commonly arise post-surgery.
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Corneal Flap:
- During LASIK, a thin flap is created in the cornea, specifically in the epithelium (the topmost layer). This flap is lifted to allow for corneal reshaping using a surgical laser and then carefully set back into place for healing.
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Healing Process:
- The healing process after LASIK involves the adjustment of the corneal shape. During this period, patients may experience glare and halos as their eyes adapt to the new corneal contours.
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Duration of Glare and Halos:
- Glare and halos are common side effects after LASIK and typically last for a few weeks, with potential variations among individuals. The intensity of these visual effects tends to diminish over the first week of the healing process.
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Post-Operative Instructions:
- Following post-operative instructions diligently is crucial for minimizing the duration and severity of glare and halos. Adhering to recommended activities and attending follow-up visits is emphasized to ensure optimal healing.
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Follow-Up Visits:
- Regular follow-up visits with the laser eye surgeon are essential for monitoring the progress of healing and addressing any concerns or persistent issues. These visits provide an opportunity for patients to discuss their experiences and receive guidance on ongoing care.
In conclusion, the article underscores the importance of patient education, emphasizing that glare and halos are common but temporary occurrences after LASIK. It also stresses the significance of compliance with post-operative instructions and follow-up visits for a successful and smooth recovery process.
