Reader Question: I notice glare and halos around lights at night after getting LASIK. Will this improve over time, or could it be a permanent side effect?
Don’t worry, glare and halos aren’t permanent. It’s normal to experience some visual disturbances immediately after LASIK.
These effects are typically most noticeable at night or in low-light conditions when your pupils are dilated. It happens because your eyes are still healing from the procedure.
It’ll take time for your eyes to adjust to the shape of your cornea. Fortunately, glares, halos, and other visual disturbances should subside after a few weeks or months.
What factors affect LASIK healing?
It’s important to understand that the healing process varies from person to person. Some people may experience side effects longer than others.
Factors that affect the healing process include:
- Your pre-operative vision
- The thickness of your cornea
- The complexity of the procedure
- Pre-existing conditions
- Your body’s healing rate
If you’re concerned about the persistence of your symptoms, schedule a follow-up appointment with your eye surgeon. They can determine if your eyes are healing properly or if there’s an underlying issue causing visual disturbances.
What can you do to manage glares and halos?
If you want to manage glares and halos, try wearing sunglasses or a brimmed hat during the day to minimize light sensitivity. On the other hand, eye drops can help keep your eyes moist and reduce irritation.
If these visual disturbances significantly affect your vision, avoid driving at night. Most importantly, attend follow-up appointments and contact your eye doctor for concerns or questions.
