Preventing Unique LASIK Side Effects: What Patients Should Know
LASIK eye surgery is one of the safest and most successful procedures in modern medicine, helping millions of people worldwide achieve clear, glasses-free vision. However, like any medical procedure, LASIK can have side effects. While most are mild and temporary, understanding them — and knowing how to prevent them — is key to ensuring the best outcome. At Khanna Vision Institute, Dr. Rajesh Khanna uses advanced laser technology and a patient-focused approach to minimize risks and deliver precise, comforta...
Understanding LASIK Side Effects
Modern LASIK is a bladeless, laser-guided procedure with a remarkably high safety record. However, temporary side effects can occur during the healing process. These are usually mild and fade within days or weeks. Common ones include: dry eyes, glare or halos around lights at night, mild sensitivity to light, temporary vision fluctuations, and minor corneal irritation.
In rare cases, more persistent issues can occur, such as night vision problems or undercorrection/overcorrection, but these are extremely uncommon when LASIK is performed by an experienced surgeon like Dr. Khanna.
Why Side Effects Occur
LASIK reshapes the cornea to correct how light focuses on the retina. During this process, corneal nerves that control tear production are temporarily affected, which can lead to dryness or temporary light sensitivity. Healing naturally restores nerve function over time.
The precision of modern All-Laser LASIK, however, greatly reduces these issues. The use of femtosecond and excimer lasers allows surgeons to create an ultra-thin, consistent corneal flap and perform perfectly controlled corrections — minimizing tissue disturbance.
Prevention Starts with a Detailed Evaluation
The first step in preventing LASIK side effects is a thorough pre-surgical evaluation. At Khanna Vision Institute, each patient undergoes a series of advanced diagnostic tests, including: corneal topography and thickness mapping, wavefront analysis for detailed eye measurements, tear film and dry eye assessment, and pupil size and optical aberration tests.
These tests allow Dr. Khanna to tailor the LASIK procedure precisely to the patient’s eye structure and lifestyle, reducing potential risks.
Pre-Surgery Preparation
Before LASIK, patients can take several proactive steps to minimize side effects and ensure smooth recovery: avoid wearing contact lenses for 7–10 days before evaluation, stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids to support eye health, discontinue makeup or facial creams the day before surgery to prevent contamination, and discuss all medications and medical history openly with your surgeon.
Proper preparation creates optimal conditions for healing and reduces the chance of post- surgery dryness or irritation.
How Dr. Khanna Minimizes Risks During LASIK
Dr. Rajesh Khanna combines medical expertise with the most advanced refractive laser systems to ensure safety, comfort, and precision. His approach includes:
- Bladeless, All-Laser LASIK – By eliminating manual blades, Dr. Khanna ensures consistent and smooth flap creation.
- Custom Wavefront-Guided LASIK – This technology maps the unique optical imperfections of each eye for highly accurate corrections.
- Controlled Laser Energy – Modern excimer lasers automatically adjust for corneal hydration, preventing over- or undercorrection.
- Real-Time Eye Tracking – The system monitors even the slightest eye movement, ensuring exact laser placement.
This level of precision significantly reduces complications and speeds recovery.
Managing Dry Eye After LASIK
Dryness is the most common temporary side effect of LASIK. However, with the right management, it can be prevented or quickly resolved.
At Khanna Vision Institute, patients receive customized dry eye treatment both before and after surgery. This may include artificial tears or preservative-free lubricating drops, prescription anti-inflammatory eye drops, punctal plugs to conserve natural tears, and omega-3 supplements for tear gland support.
Dr. Khanna’s team also screens for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction and can treat it with BlephEx or Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy before surgery to ensure a healthy tear film.
Night Vision and Glare Management
Modern laser technology has greatly reduced the occurrence of halos or glare after LASIK. However, patients with large pupils or specific corneal shapes may still notice mild nighttime effects initially.
To prevent this, Dr. Khanna uses wavefront-guided LASIK, which smooths corneal irregularities and maintains natural contrast sensitivity. Most patients report that any glare fades within weeks as their eyes fully heal.
Post-Operative Care and Recovery
Following your surgeon’s post-LASIK care instructions is the most effective way to prevent complications. Dr. Khanna provides a detailed recovery plan, which includes using prescribed lubricating and antibiotic eye drops, wearing protective shields during sleep for a few nights, avoiding eye rubbing for one week, keeping water and dust away from eyes during early healing, and attending scheduled follow-up appointments.
Most patients experience clear, comfortable vision within 24 hours and can return to work the next day.
Long-Term Eye Health After LASIK
LASIK results are long-lasting, but regular eye exams are still important. Routine checkups help maintain optimal eye health and detect any age-related changes early. Patients should also wear UV-protective sunglasses outdoors, stay hydrated, and follow a diet rich in leafy greens, vitamin A, and antioxidants.
Good eye health habits support the long-term benefits of your LASIK procedure.
Why Choose Khanna Vision Institute
Dr. Rajesh Khanna is a board-certified ophthalmologist with decades of experience in LASIK and refractive surgery. His focus on safety, patient education, and advanced technology ensures each patient receives the best possible care.
At Khanna Vision Institute, patients benefit from state-of-the-art laser systems, personalized, data-driven treatment planning, a relaxing and comfortable patient environment, and transparent guidance at every step.
With thousands of successful surgeries performed, Dr. Khanna’s reputation for precision and patient care makes him one of the leading LASIK experts in California.
Final Thoughts
LASIK side effects are rare, mild, and preventable — especially when the procedure is performed by an experienced surgeon using the latest technology. By choosing the right provider and following proper care guidelines, patients can enjoy sharp, clear vision with confidence. If you’re considering LASIK, schedule a consultation with Dr. Rajesh Khanna at Khanna Vision Institute. Experience the difference that expertise, technology, and care can make in your journey to perfect vision.