What are the postoperative complications of laser surgery?
Disease description:
Dry eyes, blurred vision, and occasional glare occurred after laser surgery last month. Are these symptoms postoperative complications of the laser surgery? What are the common postoperative complications associated with laser surgery?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Wang Shuai
Laser surgeries, such as refractive correction procedures like LASIK or PRK in ophthalmology, may have some postoperative complications:
1. Dry eye symptoms are relatively common, causing temporary or permanent reduction in tear production, leading to dryness, stinging, or a burning sensation in the eyes. About 55% of patients experience this after surgery.
2. Vision problems at night may also occur, such as glare, halos, or starbursts, especially under low-light conditions or at night, which can affect vision.
3. Vision may fluctuate during the early postoperative period and require some time to stabilize. There is also a risk of overcorrection or undercorrection, which can affect visual outcomes.
4. Rarely, corneal complications may occur, such as corneal flap displacement, wrinkling, or infection.
5. Some patients may also experience a decline in visual quality, such as reduced contrast sensitivity, corneal haze, undercorrection, or overcorrection.
Complications do not occur in every case, and most symptoms can be relieved with treatment. Before undergoing laser surgery, patients should fully understand the surgical risks and communicate adequately with their doctor. Regular follow-up visits after surgery and adherence to medical advice are also essential for recovery.
