LASER EYE SURGERY

Eye surgery, while once a tricky procedure that required working with microscopic structures, is now performed on a regular basis. Eye surgery ranges from corrective procedures to vision-saving surgeries that correct cataracts, glaucoma or eye tumors. If you have eye surgery, a period of healing afterward is essential to allow the eyes to rest and to heal, and your doctor will give you instructions as to how to care for your eyes during this time.

LASER EYE SURGERY HALO EFFECT

Laser eye surgery is a surgical method of permanent vision correction. The goal of laser eye surgery, sometimes referred to as LASIK, is to eliminate or reduce the need for eyeglasses or contact lenses. In some cases, however, a halo effect may persist in those who have had the surgery done.

Definition

A halo is what looks like a sunburst or a ring around lights at night. After having LASIK, people often experience halos when out at night, around streetlights and car headlights, according to Red Orbit. This can make night driving unsafe or impossible in some cases.

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Causes

Most patients who experience the halo effect after laser eye surgery have large pupils. USA Eyes, a website operated by the Council for Refractive Surgery Quality Assurance, states that the halo is caused by the outside edge of the cornea not being treated during the surgery, dry eyes and swelling.

Incidence

Approximately half of people who undergo laser eye surgery have large pupils, according to Red Orbit. While seeing halos is a common side effect, USA Eyes states that the condition eventually resolves itself in most people.

Time Frame

According to USA Eyes, the halo effect can last for up to six months while the eyes heal from the surgery. In some cases, however, this effect may last longer.

Prevention/Solution

The "large zone" technique of performing laser eye surgery can reduce or eliminate the incidence of halo vision by treating a larger portion of the cornea. Another option for treating this condition is to use brimonidine tartrate eye drops, according to a study done by the Yonsei University College of Medicine in Seoul, Korea.