What are the side effects of surgery for nearsightedness?
Disease description:
I have had myopia for many years, and the degree of myopia has been increasing, causing significant inconvenience in my daily life. I have been considering undergoing refractive surgery, but I am very concerned about potential side effects. I have heard that problems such as dry eyes and glare may occur. I feel very conflicted and want to know how risky refractive surgery really is. Could there be more serious complications or side effects?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Wang Shuai
Refractive surgeries for myopia correction, such as laser corneal refractive surgery and implantable lens procedures, can effectively improve vision but also carry certain risks and potential complications. The main possible complications include:
1. Dry eye: Some patients may experience dry eye symptoms after surgery, such as dryness, pain, or itching in the eyes. This may occur because the sensory nerve plexus in the anterior stromal layer of the cornea may be severed during surgery, leading to reduced tear secretion.
2. Night glare or halos: Under low-light conditions or at night, patients may perceive glare or halos around lights, which can affect activities such as night driving.
3. Vision fluctuations: In the early postoperative period, some patients may experience fluctuating vision, which may take some time to stabilize.
4. Corneal complications: Such as corneal flap dislocation or keratoconus, which may lead to significant vision loss and require further treatment.
5. Overcorrection or undercorrection: Overcorrection or undercorrection may occur after surgery, requiring additional adjustments or a second surgical procedure.
6. Infection: Eye infections may occur after surgery, causing symptoms such as eye pain and swelling.
