Night vision problems are a common side effect of LASIK surgery, with many patients experiencing starflashes, halos, and glare around bright lights, as well as difficulty seeing other objects at night. These issues with contrast and sensitivity to light can make driving or going out at night very dangerous. While some people have never had laser eye surgery but still suffer from night blindness, those who have trouble seeing clearly at night are usually not good candidates for the procedure. Night blindness can be caused by a number of factors, such as diabetes, glaucoma, and cataracts.
It can also be due to other medical problems. It is normal to experience some changes in night vision after laser eye surgery, but these changes are usually temporary and vision should improve in a short time. A study published in the Journal of Zhejiang University Science B found that 81 percent of patients noticed an improvement in their uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) after surgery compared to before LASIK. Some people are more likely than others to develop night vision problems after LASIK surgery, depending on certain characteristics of their eyes.
Despite what representatives of the LASIK industry may say, night vision alterations after LASIK occur frequently and can be permanent and disabling. Many people have temporary night vision problems after Lasik surgery that can last for days, weeks, or even months. When discussing vision during the initial consultation with a LASIK surgeon, it is important to talk about not only the prescription but also the quality of vision, including any current visual symptoms such as glare and halos. A meta-analysis of safety and efficacy summaries of twelve lasers approved between 1998 and 2004 revealed that six months after LASIK, 19.3 percent of patients reported having nighttime driving problems that were worse, much worse, moderately severe or severe.
If pupil enlargement is causing the problem, certain eye drops may be prescribed to reduce the size of the pupil. Additionally, many people have used eye vitamins to improve their vision so much that they no longer need corrective lenses. It is important to compare the risks of one type of surgery with the risks of all other options to determine which surgical option has the least risks. Dr.
Wang has performed more than 55,000 laser eye surgeries during his career, including more than 4,000 doctors. After undergoing Lasik surgery, some people may need to wear reading glasses or corrective lenses for certain activities. In addition to the findings presented in a graphic above, a study found that the number of patients treated with PROWL-1 and PROWL-2 who had annoying visual symptoms (very and extremely) was much higher before undergoing the LASIK procedure. Your eye doctor (eye surgeon) will be able to determine your risk and adjust your LASIK procedure accordingly to best mitigate complications.
Both PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) and LASIK (laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis) are used to correct common vision problems such as myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. It is important for patients to talk to their doctor and attend all follow-up appointments as directed in order to ensure that the new vision meets expectations before declaring the surgery a success.
