The Do’s and Don’ts After Laser Eye Surgery

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LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) is a popular and effective vision correction procedure, helping millions reduce or eliminate their dependence on glasses and contact lenses. However, some patients experience visual disturbances such as halos and starbursts around lights, especially at night. While these side effects are usually temporary, understanding their causes and potential solutions can help you manage them effectively.

What Are Halos and Starbursts?

Halos and starbursts are optical phenomena that can affect night vision after LASIK.

  • Halos appear as glowing rings around light sources, such as headlights or street lamps.
  • Starbursts look like radiating spikes of light emanating from a central source, making bright lights appear more intense.

These effects can cause discomfort and make night driving challenging. They are most noticeable in low-light conditions and are typically more LASIK pronounced in the first few weeks or months following surgery.

Causes of Halos and Starbursts After LASIK

Several factors contribute to halos and starbursts after LASIK:

  1. Pupil Size – If your pupils are naturally large, they may extend beyond the treated area of your cornea, causing light to scatter and create these visual effects.
  2. Healing Process – The cornea takes time to heal, and fluctuations in vision are common in the first few months post-surgery.
  3. Dry Eyes – LASIK can temporarily reduce tear production, leading to dry eyes, which may worsen visual distortions.
  4. Corneal Edema (Swelling) – Mild swelling in the cornea can temporarily alter how light enters the eye.
  5. Under- or Over-Correction – In some cases, the laser correction may not be perfect, leading to residual refractive errors that contribute to halos and starbursts.

How to Manage Halos and Starbursts After LASIK

1. Be Patient and Allow Time for Healing

For most patients, halos and starbursts improve significantly within three to six months as the eyes heal and the brain adapts to the new vision.

2. Use Lubricating Eye Drops

Dry eyes can exacerbate visual disturbances. Using preservative-free artificial tears can keep your eyes hydrated and reduce the severity of halos and starbursts.

3. Avoid Bright Lights at Night

Limit night driving in the early recovery period. If necessary, use anti-glare coatings on glasses or adjust car headlights to minimize discomfort.

4. Wear Blue-Light Blocking or Anti-Reflective Glasses

Specialty glasses can help filter excessive glare and improve night vision. Yellow-tinted lenses may also reduce the intensity of halos and starbursts.

5. Discuss Medication with Your Doctor

Some patients benefit from pupil-constricting drops, which reduce the size of the pupil at night and minimize light scatter. However, these should only be used under medical supervision.

6. Consider LASIK Enhancement

If halos and starbursts persist beyond six months and significantly affect daily life, a LASIK enhancement procedure may be an option to fine-tune your vision.

When to Contact Your Eye Doctor

If halos and starbursts worsen over time, interfere with daily activities, or are accompanied by pain, redness, or vision loss, consult your ophthalmologist immediately. These could indicate complications such as corneal ectasia or an irregular healing response.

Halos and starbursts after LASIK are common but usually temporary side effects. By following your doctor’s post-operative care instructions, using appropriate treatments, and allowing time for healing, most of these visual disturbances will improve. If they persist, consult an eye specialist to explore further treatment options.