LASIK Starbursts

LASIK Starbursts| Night Vision Treatment and Correction

LASIK surgery is a generally safe procedure with a high success rate. While most of the patients are satisfied with the outcome, some have complications. Patients may experience blurring of vision and starbursts causing difficulty, particularly with night vision. Although these symptoms might resolve themselves gradually after surgery, some patients experience persistent starbursts and disturbed night vision after many months post LASIK surgery.

What Are Starbursts After LASIK Surgery?

Starbursts are the extreme glare around the sources of light and lighted objects, mainly at night. It occurs usually as a result of pupils dilating more than the diameter of treated zone or improper post-surgical adherence of corneal flap. This symptom can also point towards under correction of nearsightedness during the procedure.

Post LASIK Starbursts Treatment

Let it heal

Before jumping to conclusions it’s recommended that you consult your doctor to understand the exact cause of starbursts and possible prognosis of the condition. Usually the night vision correction takes few weeks or months, and no further treatment or management is required in those cases, except for necessary assistance during the recovery phase.

Wave-Front LASIK Procedure

If applicable in your case, the enhancement procedure following the standard LASIK procedure might be advised by your surgeon to fix the starbursts resulting from standard procedure. However, beware that often touch-ups and enhancement can exacerbate the starbursts and glare issues. A second opinion is always beneficial.

Eye drops

As the starbursts are mainly due to the larger dilation of pupils than the treated zone, pupils constricting eye drops can be helpful in selected cases. Remember to consult your doctor before using them on your own.

Glasses or Contact Lenses For Errors Of Refraction – High Order Aberrations

If the condition persists and if the starbursts are due to the errors of refraction, High Order Aberrations (HOA), prescription glasses or contact lenses may be suggested by your eye care specialist.

  • Specialty Contact Lenses
  • Scleral Contact Lenses
  • Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Contact Lenses
  • Hybrid Contact Lenses
  • Soft Contact Lenses
  • High Definition Glasses

Anti-reflective lenses

Anti-glare and anti-reflective lenses may help getting rid of starbursts at night and sunburst in daytime. Specialized lenses can be used to reduce the starbursts glare at night too.

Treating Dry eyes

Dry eyes are a common complication of the LASIK procedure and are a precipitating factor for many other side effects. If you’re suffering from dry eyes get advice from a doctor who specializes in post LASIK Dry Eye. Proper treatment and management of dry eye can reduce or eliminate the starbursts and glare issues.

Always consult a post LASIK specialist and to get the proper advice on your condition before starting any self-management of starbursts or other complications of LASIK surgery.

Dr. Irwin Azman is one of the pioneers of the Post LASIK | PRK | RK patient. With over 25 years of experience in the management and treatment of the Post LASIK patient. Together with his knowledge and experience Dr. Azman is able to prescribe each patient with the proper solution in resolving their Post LASIK complications, including starburst, glare, dry eye, and other LASIK complications.

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