Vision Correction Issues: Laser eye correction can be extremely effective at creating clearer vision, however it is somewhat difficult to predict the level of effectiveness until the eyes have completely healed. Though not very common, some patients have reported vision that is worse or still not completely improved after laser eye surgery. Some patients may still need to wear corrective lenses. This is typically due to corneal haze, or uneven tissue removal. Sometimes this problem can be corrected through a second surgical procedure.

Corneal Haze: This side effect is a typical part of the normal healing process following PRK and LASIK procedures. While it is usually only noticed through an eye examination, and generally subsides and leaves no permanent effect on the final correction, it can cause a fuzzy affect on a patient's vision. If this condition does not resolve itself, further laser treatments or surgeries may be needed. Corneal haze occurs more frequently in patients that have undergone LASIK procedures than other forms of treatment.

Infection: As with any surgery, there is a risk for infection. Should an infection occur, discomfort and a delayed healing process are the most common symptoms. The incidence rate of infection following laser eye correction is small, and generally occurs in approximately one-tenth of one percent of all patients. The percentage of infection in individuals opting for LASIK treatments is even smaller.

Halo Effect: Appearing most commonly in patients who have undergone LASIK or PRK procedures, halo effects are optical disturbances that typically occur in low light, or dark conditions. This side effect can first become evident when patients are driving at night. This effect is the result of the pupil enlarging, which pushes the tissues outward causing the untreated area around the cornea to produce a second image.

Flap Complications: Found only in patients who have had LASIK laser eye surgery, flap complications include damage to the flap, or complete loss of the flap. This happens when the hinged flap on the cornea detaches or tears. Permanent damage to the eye and/or cornea may occur so prompt medical attention is required.

Regression: Some patients have reported that the effects of laser procedures gradually decrease over a period of several months or a year. A second surgery can often be done and typically leads to more permanent results.

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