Poor vision in low light after LASIK, sometimes called night vision disturbances, is not an uncommon experience for patients post-surgery.
While LASIK is renowned for its ability to correct eyesight during the day, some individuals may face challenges seeing clearly in low-light conditions, especially soon after the procedure.
This blog explains why low-light vision issues occur after LASIK, what you can do to manage them, and how to determine whether the problem is temporary or requires further attention.
What Causes Poor Vision in Low Light After LASIK?
Night vision disturbances post-LASIK can often be attributed to the nature of the surgery itself. LASIK reshapes the cornea to correct refractive errors like myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. However, certain aspects of the procedure and your individual eye characteristics can contribute to challenges with low-light vision. Here’s a breakdown of the common causes:
1. Pupil Size
Your pupils naturally dilate in darker conditions to allow more light to enter the eye. If your pupils dilate beyond the reshaped area of the cornea during LASIK, this mismatch can result in symptoms like halos, glare, and starbursts surrounding bright lights. These symptoms are most noticeable when driving at night or walking in poorly lit environments.
2. Post-Surgical Healing
Immediately after LASIK, the cornea undergoes a healing process. This healing can temporarily affect how light is refracted in the eye, leading to scattered light rays and causing blurry or distorted low-light vision. Many patients notice gradual improvement as their eyes heal, typically within the first few weeks to months post-surgery.
3. Residual Refractive Errors
While LASIK is highly precise, no procedure is absolutely perfect. Some patients may have residual refractive errors like slight undercorrection or overcorrection. These small errors might not be noticeable during the day but can become more apparent in dim lighting.
4. Higher-Order Aberrations (HOAs)
Higher-order aberrations are subtle imperfections in the way light is focused in your eye. Post-LASIK, some patients might experience an increase in HOAs, such as spherical aberrations, which can cause blurry or reduced contrast vision at night.
5. Dry Eyes
Dry eye syndrome is a common side effect of LASIK. When your eyes are dry, the tear film responsible for providing a smooth optical surface is disrupted. This can worsen night vision by causing light to scatter more unevenly on the cornea.
6. Age and Pre-Existing Eye Conditions
Older patients or those with pre-existing conditions, such as cataracts or diminished contrast sensitivity, may be more prone to experiencing difficulties with low-light vision after LASIK.
How Long Does Poor Vision in Low Light Last?
For most patients, night vision disturbances are temporary. The majority of LASIK patients notice significant improvement within 3 to 6 months post-procedure as their eyes heal and adjust. However, a small subset of individuals may experience persistent issues that require corrective measures or further treatment.
Symptoms of Low-Light Vision Disturbances
If you’re noticing problems with your vision in dim lighting after LASIK, you’re not alone. The symptoms associated with poor low-light vision include:
- Halos: Bright rings around light sources, such as headlights or street lamps at night.
- Glare: An increased sensitivity to light, making night driving particularly uncomfortable.
- Starbursts: A radiating effect of light, appearing as “spiky” bursts around objects like traffic lights.
- Blurry Vision: Difficulty seeing shapes or details clearly in darker environments.
- Poor Contrast Sensitivity: Reduced ability to distinguish between objects that are similar in colour or brightness.
Being able to recognise these symptoms can help you communicate more effectively with your eye care specialist if you need additional support.
Tips to Improve Low-Light Vision After LASIK
If you’re struggling with low-light challenges after LASIK, there are steps you can take to manage and improve your symptoms:
1. Give Your Eyes Time to Heal
Patience is key after LASIK. It’s common for night vision issues to improve as your eyes heal. Follow your surgeon’s recommendations for post-operative care, such as using prescribed eye drops and avoiding strenuous activities.
2. Use Artificial Tears
If dry eye symptoms are contributing to your low-light vision problems, artificial tears can help restore your tear film and improve clarity. Consider preservative-free options to prevent irritation, especially if you use them frequently.
3. Avoid Driving at Night Early Post-Surgery
If possible, limit night-time driving during the early weeks after LASIK. This allows your eyes to recover and adapt without being strained by excessive light exposure.
4. Wear Anti-Reflective Glasses
Anti-reflective coatings on glasses can cut down on glare and reduce light disturbances. While this may not address the root cause of low-light vision issues, it can add an extra layer of comfort, especially when driving.
5. Follow a Healthy Diet
Good vision is strongly linked to proper nutrition. Boost your intake of eye-friendly nutrients like vitamin A (found in carrots and leafy greens), lutein, and zeaxanthin to support your overall eye health.
6. Discuss Wavefront LASIK with Your Surgeon
Wavefront-guided LASIK, specially designed to address higher-order aberrations, may be an option for those who have significant vision disturbances. If you’re still experiencing issues after your initial surgery, a discussion about enhancements or supplementary treatments can help.
When to Consult Your Eye Doctor
If your low-light vision problems persist beyond six months or worsen over time, it’s essential to consult your eye care provider. Persistent night vision disturbances could indicate complications or the need for minor retreatments, which are highly manageable in most cases.
Don’t hesitate to reach out if you experience the following:
- Severe glare or halos that interfere with daily activities.
- Sudden changes in vision or a noticeable decline in your eyesight.
- Persistent eye pain or discomfort.
Your eye specialist can conduct detailed tests, such as corneal topography or aberrometry, to better understand the root cause of your symptoms.
Preventing Issues Before LASIK Surgery
It’s always better to take proactive measures when considering LASIK surgery. If you haven’t yet undergone LASIK and are concerned about its impact on night vision, here are a few steps you can take:
- Pick the Right Surgeon: Choose a highly experienced LASIK surgeon who can customise the procedure based on your eye’s specific measurements.
- Assess Pupil Size: Ask for a pre-surgery assessment of your pupil size under low-light conditions.
- Understand the Risks: Ensure you’re fully informed about potential side effects and have realistic expectations regarding recovery timelines.
Summing Up
Though low-light vision disturbances after LASIK can be a frustrating side effect, for most patients, they’re a temporary part of the recovery process. With proper care, time, and communication with your eye doctor, these symptoms often resolve themselves or can be effectively managed.
LASIK remains one of the most successful procedures for correcting refractive errors, offering long-term benefits and improved quality of life for millions of patients worldwide. If you’re struggling with poor vision in low light after your surgery, rest assured that solutions are available to help you enjoy the full advantages of your LASIK-enhanced eyesight.
Consider partnering closely with your ophthalmologist to create a tailored plan that gets you back to seeing clearly—day and night.
