What are the risks of vision correction surgery?
Nov 18, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Lei
Introduction
Vision correction surgery may carry risks such as postoperative dry eye, refractive regression, decreased visual quality, ocular infection, and corneal-related complications. Most of these risks are associated with surgical trauma, individual differences, or inadequate postoperative care. If persistent eye pain, sudden vision loss, or abnormal discharge occurs after surgery, prompt medical attention is recommended. The surgery can damage corneal nerve endings.
Refractive surgery may carry potential risks such as postoperative dry eye, refractive regression, reduced visual quality, ocular infections, and corneal-related complications. Most of these complications are associated with surgical trauma, individual differences, or inadequate postoperative care. If persistent eye pain, sudden vision loss, or abnormal discharge occurs after surgery, prompt medical attention is recommended.
1. Postoperative dry eye: Surgical damage to corneal nerve endings can reduce tear secretion or cause uneven tear distribution, leading to symptoms such as dryness, foreign body sensation, and burning. These symptoms typically gradually improve within 3–6 months after surgery, although a minority of individuals may experience long-term effects.
2. Refractive regression: Vision may gradually decline over time after surgery, partially reverting to the preoperative refractive error. This often results from elastic recoil of corneal tissue during healing or excessively high preoperative refractive error, and may require secondary correction.
3. Reduced visual quality: Symptoms such as night glare, halos around lights, and double vision may occur, especially in low-light conditions, affecting nighttime driving or clarity of vision. These issues are often related to the precision of the corneal ablation during surgery.
4. Ocular infection: Poor eye hygiene or decreased immunity after surgery may lead to infections such as keratitis or conjunctivitis, presenting as eye pain, redness, swelling, and increased discharge. Untreated infections may impair vision.
5. Corneal-related complications: These include corneal flap displacement, corneal thinning, and epithelial ingrowth, mostly due to improper surgical technique or postoperative eye trauma. Such complications may cause fluctuating vision or ocular discomfort.
After surgery, it is essential to strictly follow medical instructions regarding medication, avoid rubbing the eyes, minimize prolonged eye use, and avoid exposure to bright light. Maintain good eye hygiene and prevent contaminated water from entering the eyes. Regular follow-up visits are necessary to monitor corneal healing and changes in vision.
