LASIK eye surgery has transformed the lives of millions—but no medical procedure is entirely without risk. If you’re weighing your options and wondering, “Is there a downside to LASIK?”—you’re asking the right questions.

Let’s walk through the potential side effects and what you should consider before making a decision.

The Good News: LASIK is Incredibly Safe

LASIK is one of the most studied and successful elective procedures in the world. In addition, LASIK has an unprecedented 96 percent patient satisfaction rate – the highest of any elective procedure. (Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery, Vol. 42, Issue 8, August 2016, Pages 1224-1234).

But like any surgery, there are risks of side-effects.

Here are a few things to be aware of:

1. Temporary Side Effects

Some patients experience short-term symptoms such as:

  • Dry eyes
  • Glare or halos around lights at night
  • Light sensitivity
  • Mild discomfort in the first 24–48 hours

These side effects usually resolve within a few days to a few weeks.

2. It May Not Fully Correct Your Vision

While rare, some patients may still need glasses for certain tasks (like night driving) or may require a touch-up (enhancement) if their prescription regresses slightly over time.

3. It’s Not Right for Everyone

You may not be a good candidate if:

  • Your prescription isn’t stable
  • You have very thin corneas
  • You have certain eye conditions like keratoconus or severe dry eye

That’s why a thorough screening with experienced surgeons—like ours at Tylock George Eye Care—is critical before moving forward.

Alternatives if LASIK Isn’t Right for You

If you’re not an ideal LASIK candidate, that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with glasses or contacts! At Tylock George Eye Care, we also offer:

  • EVO ICL: A great option for patients with thin corneas or high prescriptions
  • Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE): Ideal for patients over 40 with reading vision concerns
  • PRK: An alternative surface-based laser procedure for certain eye types

The Bottom Line: Be Informed, Not Afraid

Most downsides of LASIK are temporary and manageable—and for the right candidate, the benefits far outweigh the risks. The key is making sure you’re in the hands of a trusted, experienced team that prioritizes your safety and long-term results.

Still on the fence? Schedule your free LASIK consultation at Tylock George Eye Care. We’ll give you honest answers—and help you find the best vision correction option for your eyes.