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If you suffer from certain eyesight problems such as myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism, there is a laser-assisted surgical procedure called LASIK that can provide the relief you need.  This type of surgery is fast, effective and causes little discomfort to most patients.  As with all surgical procedures, however, there are risks of certain side effects.

Irritation
LASIK vision correction may help improve your sight, but this improvement can come with certain risks.  One possible side effect of LASIK surgery is temporary irritation.  After the procedure, your eye may itch, burn or feel as though there is something in it.  You may experience a bit of discomfort, and some patients will feel mild pain.  Discuss these symptoms of irritation with your doctor.  He or she may prescribe mild pain relievers or eye drops to use for a few days following your LASIK treatment.

Hazy Vision, Watery Eyes
Some patients experience watery eyes and hazy vision as side effects of LASIK surgery.  These are temporary irritations that will quickly disappear.  Even if you receive treatment in just one eye, you may find that both eyes are affected.  Even though you'll instinctively want to rub your eyes, don't touch them.  Rubbing the eye can dislodge the corneal flap, requiring further treatment.

Sensitivity to Light
In the days following your LASIK treatment, you may experience sensitivity to light, or see glares, starbursts or haloes around lights.  The whites of your eye may appear red or bloodshot.  Like the other common side effects of LASIK surgery, these minor irritations will disappear after a few days post-surgery.

Under-Correction
Your doctor is human, and prone to make mistakes.  It is possible for your doctor to "under-correct" your vision, meaning that another treatment will be required to bring your eyesight to the level that your doctor expects.  

Over-Correction
On the other hand, it is also possible for your doctor to over-correct your vision.  If you were near-sighted before the LASIK procedure, you may end up being far-sighted.  This is an unlikely side effect, as your doctor will surely be conservative in his or her degree of correction.  Again, this complication can usually be corrected using an appropriate procedure.

Infection
Serious complications are extremely uncommon.  In rare cases, side effects of LASIK surgery may include infection.  If and when this occurs, using medicated antibiotic eye drops can usually quickly eliminate the condition.

Displacement
It is possible to displace, or dislodge, the flap covering the cornea.  If this happens, let your doctor know immediately.  The best way to prevent this from occurring is to wear an eye patch when napping and going to bed at night, particularly during the first week following the procedure.  This will prevent you from accidentally displacing the flap by rubbing your eyes while sleeping.

There are measures that you can take to help avoid possible LASIK side effects.  Contact your doctor immediately if you experience severe pain, or if your vision or other symptoms get worse.  Make an appointment to see your doctor within the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery, and then at regular intervals for the next six months.  At the first postoperative visit, your doctor will remove the eye shield, test your vision and examine your eye.

Side effects of LASIK surgery are uncommon.  However, as in all medical procedures, they are possible.  Taking good care of your health is the first step to enjoying a problem-free recovery.