Though there is no government agency or independent company that gathers detailed data on the prevalence of side effects or complications from laser vision correction surgery, the most recent research suggests that less than 1% of LASIK patients experience serious side effects or complications from the procedure.

However, no surgical procedure (including LASIK) is risk-free. The following list of complications have been reported after LASIK:

• A gritty, scratchy feeling
• Pain or discomfort
• Sensitivity to light
• Blurred vision
• Dryness or tearing
• Fluctuating vision
• Glare or halos around lights
• Overcorrection or undercorrection
• Poor or reduced visual quality
• Corneal flap problems
• Infection
• Corneal healing problems

Many of these complications are temporary and decrease with time. Permanent complications can often be resolved with a second LASIK procedure (commonly called an enhancement).

At least one study suggests that you have less risk of complications when you have your LASIK performed by an experienced LASIK surgeon (one who has already performed 1,000 or more procedures). When considering where to have your LASIK surgery performed, ask questions about the level of experience the surgeon has, their LASIK success and enhancement rates, and the rate and types of complications their patients experience after LASIK.