Glory Eyecare Optometrists

Eyecare After Refractive Surgery

Regular eye exams are important

after refractive surgery to monitor vision, detect complications, and manage eye diseases—whether surgery was successful or not.

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Retreatment is common

3.8%–20.8% of patients may need additional procedures after myopia correction.

 

Possible risks and complications

• Dry eye, blurry or unstable vision, halos, glare

• Regression of myopia or need for glasses again, especially after 40

• Rarely, severe psychological distress has been reported

 

Sources / Perspectives

   1. US FDA (2018) -  Refractive surgery risks and complications

          https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/lasik/what-are-risks-and-how-can-i-find-right-doctor-me

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   2. ABC News (2019) – "Woman committed suicide after eye surgery"

​         https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Wellness/video/details-woman-committed-suicide-eye-surgery-61349767

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   3. MedTruth (2019) – "Is Suicide an Adverse Effect of LASIK Surgery?"

         https://medtruth.com/articles/health-features/adverse-effects-lasik-surgery/

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   4. LasikComplications.com (2020) – Facebook page

​          https://www.facebook.com/p/LasikComplicationscom-100063768860739/

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   5. The Guardian (2023) – "Patients who regret laser eye surgery: ‘My life’s stood still since then’"

         https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/apr/18/lasik-laser-eye-surgery​

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​Our Real Patient Cases

Case 1: Moderate to Severe Dry Eye

Early 50’s male with very high myopia before multiple radial keratotomies (~25 years ago). History includes right corneal graft, retinal detachment with vitrectomy, cataract surgery, and glaucoma. Wears monthly contact lenses and uses tear supplements. Reported over AU$150,000 spent on eye health since refractive surgery. Managed with punctal plugs and tear supplements; ongoing care required. Satisfied after 2+ years.

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Case 2: Myopia Regression & Dry Eye

Early 40s female, very high myopia in both eyes before refractive surgery about 20 years ago. Myopia partially returned after 15 years. Managed with permanent punctal plugs and tear supplements; satisfied after more than 1.5 years.

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Key Takeaways for Patients

• Refractive surgery does not guarantee life without glasses or contacts.

• Dry eye and vision changes are common long-term effects.

• Early myopia management can reduce future complications.

• Consider whether you can tolerate the worst-case outcomes, not just hope for the best.

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