Yes, LASIK surgery could affect your night vision, but for most people, the changes are temporary and often resolve within a few weeks or months.
However, it’s important to understand both the possible effects of night vision and the factors that might increase your chances of experiencing difficulties.
For those considering LASIK—whether to eliminate the need for glasses or enhance the overall quality of life—it’s natural to have questions, especially regarding night vision. The prospect of sharper vision all day long sounds incredible, but concerns about night-time glares or halos can be daunting. This blog aims to address these questions, dispelling myths and offering realistic insights into how LASIK could impact your night vision.
What Is LASIK and How Does It Work?
Before we explore its effects on night vision, let’s take a closer look at what LASIK actually is. LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) is a widely popular laser eye surgery designed to correct common vision issues like myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism.
During the procedure, an ophthalmologist uses a precise laser to reshape the cornea (the transparent front layer of your eye). This adjustment ensures that light entering your eye focuses correctly on the retina, leading to improved clarity and reduced reliance on corrective lenses. LASIK has become known for its quick recovery times, high success rates, and ability to enhance vision.
How Could LASIK Affect Night Vision?
While LASIK brings clear benefits for daytime vision, there are certain side effects associated with night-time conditions, particularly in the weeks following treatment. Here’s a breakdown of potential effects that some patients may experience after LASIK surgery:
1. Halos Around Lights
Halos—bright, circular rings that appear around light sources—are one of the most commonly reported night vision concerns after LASIK. These visual distortions occur more frequently in low-light settings or at dusk when the pupils dilate. Halos might make car headlights, streetlights, or similar light sources appear unnaturally bright and surrounded by glowing rings.
2. Glare
Glare is another potential side effect. Many LASIK patients report sensitivity to bright lights at night or difficulty seeing details when exposed to a strong, sudden source of light. For instance, oncoming car headlights might seem larger and more dazzling post-surgery.
3. Starbursts
Starbursts resemble small, spoke-like light rays radiating outward from bright light sources. Much like glare and halos, they are most pronounced during poor lighting conditions, impacting activities such as night driving.
4. Difficulty Adjusting Between Light and Dark
Some LASIK patients notice they take longer to adjust between varying light levels after surgery. This might mean that transitioning from dark streets to well-lit areas (or vice versa) takes more effort as your eyes adapt post-surgery.
5. Reduced Contrast Sensitivity in Dim Light
A frequently reported night vision issue post-LASIK is reduced contrast sensitivity under low lighting conditions. For example, some individuals may struggle to distinguish between subtle shades of grey or objects amidst dim backdrops, such as faded street markings or pedestrians in low-light environments.
The good news is that these symptoms are usually temporary, lasting only as long as the healing process requires. For most LASIK patients, night vision problems improve or disappear completely within six months.
Why Does LASIK Sometimes Affect Night Vision?
The main reason LASIK impacts night vision lies in the nature of the surgery itself. By reshaping the cornea, the light entering your eye is refracted differently, and this change can lead to minor visual disruptions, particularly in low-light settings.
1. Pupil Size
Pupil size plays a significant role in night vision after LASIK. An enlarged pupil at night may expose areas of the cornea that weren’t treated by the laser. This can result in visual aberrations like halos, glare, and starbursts.
2. Higher Order Aberrations (HOAs)
During LASIK, low-order aberrations (like nearsightedness or astigmatism) are corrected. However, higher-order aberrations—smaller, often imperceptible irregularities in the eye’s surface—may still remain, causing minor disruptions in visual clarity at night.
3. Corneal Healing Variations
Healing is a natural part of the LASIK recovery process. Temporary swelling or irregular corneal healing can influence light refraction, leading to short-term disturbances in night vision.
4. Pre-existing Vision Issues
If pre-existing conditions like extreme myopia or large pupil size are present, they may increase the likelihood of night vision effects after LASIK. While this doesn’t exclude someone from LASIK eligibility, these factors might warrant further discussion with a LASIK specialist.
How Common Are Night Vision Side Effects After LASIK?
Studies suggest that about 20–40% of LASIK patients report mild night vision disturbances shortly after surgery. However, only a small percentage experience prolonged or severe symptoms. Most issues resolve spontaneously as the cornea stabilises and the eyes adapt to their new shape.
The rapid advancements in LASIK technology have significantly reduced the prevalence of post-operative night vision problems. For example, wavefront-guided LASIK—a more customised form of the procedure—identifies and corrects higher-order aberrations more effectively, leading to fewer complications.
How to Manage Night Vision Changes After LASIK
If you’re concerned about potential night vision issues, rest assured that steps can be taken to manage or reduce these challenges. Here are some helpful tips:
1. Follow Post-operative Instructions
Your surgeon will provide comprehensive instructions regarding the proper care of your eyes during the recovery period. Wear any protective eye shields or goggles recommended, and adhere to medication schedules to facilitate healing.
2. Avoid Night Driving Initially
While your eyes heal, it’s advisable to avoid driving in low-light conditions or at night until your vision stabilises. This will ensure safety for both you and other road users.
3. Use Anti-glare Glasses
If glare or halos are particularly bothersome, consider wearing anti-glare glasses. These can improve contrast at night while shielding your eyes from harsh light sources.
4. Consider Eye Drops
A dry eye often accompanies LASIK recovery and can exacerbate night vision symptoms. Artificial tear drops help keep your eyes hydrated, promoting clearer vision.
5. Discuss Persistent Symptoms
If night vision issues persist beyond six months, consult your LASIK specialist. They may recommend enhancements, alternative treatments, or customised follow-up procedures.
Why LASIK Is Worth It Despite Potential Night Vision Effects
Although LASIK might initially affect your night vision, the long-term benefits far outweigh these temporary disadvantages for most patients. The majority can expect both day and night vision to improve significantly within weeks.
Benefits of LASIK:
- Independence from glasses or contacts
- Enhanced confidence and convenience
- Lifelong savings compared to recurring eyewear expenses
- Predictable results with a high success rate
Additionally, with current state-of-the-art technology and meticulous pre-surgery assessments, most risks—including night vision issues—can be minimised. LASIK provides millions of people each year with visual freedom and clarity they never thought possible.
Final Thoughts
LASIK has revolutionised vision correction, offering life-changing benefits to candidates worldwide. While it’s true that night vision can experience temporary changes post-surgery, the impacts are typically short-lived for the vast majority of patients. Understanding the potential for these effects—and being proactive about managing them—can ensure a smoother recovery and better overall experience.
If you’re seriously considering LASIK, speak to your ophthalmologist about your unique eye anatomy and factors like pupil size or underlying conditions. Together, you can make an informed decision about whether LASIK is right for you. Whether it’s clearer day-time vision or better night-driving clarity, LASIK might just be the solution to your vision woes.
