Written by the Mungale Eye Hospital team
Medically reviewed by Dr. Meeta Mungale, MBBS, MS (Ophthalmology), DNB · Fellowship in Cornea & Anterior Segment, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad · Gujarat Medical Council Reg. No. G-39262 · Reviewed on 19 October 2026
Published 19 October 2026
Part of our guide: Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) Eye Surgery Types, Cost, Benefits and Who Qualifies
LASIK is a well-established procedure with high satisfaction in suitable patients, but like any surgery it carries risks. The most common side effects are temporary dry eye and night glare or halos. Serious complications are uncommon when patients are carefully screened. For people who are not suitable for LASIK, such as those with very high power or thin corneas, an ICL (implantable collamer lens) can be a safe alternative.
Common Side Effects
Dry eye
Most patients have some dryness for weeks to months as corneal nerves heal. Lubricating drops usually help.
Glare, halos and starbursts
Lights may look surrounded by rings at night, especially early on. These usually improve over one to three months.
Fluctuating vision
Vision may vary slightly through the day in the first few weeks.
Small red spots
Tiny bleeds on the white of the eye can appear and fade within two weeks.
Less Common Risks
Thorough screening greatly lowers these risks.
Who Should Avoid LASIK?
What Is ICL?
ICL is a thin, flexible lens placed inside the eye, in front of the natural lens and behind the iris. It works like a permanent contact lens that you cannot feel or see.
Who may benefit
Advantages
Considerations
ICL is an internal eye procedure, so it has its own risks, such as raised eye pressure, cataract or infection, though these are uncommon. Regular follow-up is needed.
How to Lower Your Risk
Key Takeaways
Final Thoughts
Understanding the risks helps you make a confident, informed choice. A good surgeon will tell you honestly if LASIK is not right for you and offer safer alternatives. For a complete refractive evaluation, you can consult Dr. Meeta Mungale, an ophthalmologist at Mungale Eye Hospital in Vadodara.
Frequently Asked Questions
For suitable, well-screened patients, LASIK has a long safety record and stable results. Long-term problems are uncommon. Careful testing before surgery helps avoid risks such as corneal weakening in later years.
Blindness from LASIK is extremely rare. Most complications can be treated. Choosing an experienced surgeon, having full pre-operative tests and following aftercare closely reduce the risk of serious problems.
Most people keep stable vision for many years. A small number may have some regression, especially with high power. Age-related near vision change (presbyopia) after 40 is separate and still occurs.
Neither is better for everyone. ICL suits high power or thin corneas, while LASIK suits many people with moderate power and healthy corneas. Your eye measurements decide which is safer and more suitable.
Yes. One advantage of ICL is that the lens can be removed or replaced if needed. This makes it a reversible option compared with laser procedures that permanently reshape the cornea.
People with a shallow front chamber, low inner cell counts of the cornea, uncontrolled glaucoma or certain eye diseases may not be suitable. Detailed tests decide whether ICL is safe for you.
Sources and further reading
Reviewed by
MBBS, MS (Ophthalmology), DNB · Fellowship in Cornea & Anterior Segment, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad
Gujarat Medical Council Reg. No. G-39262
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