Laser eye surgery has helped millions of people around the world see clearly without the daily dependence on glasses or contact lenses. It is one of the most common elective procedures performed worldwide. Patient satisfaction rates are very high, in excess of 95-98%, and more than 99% of patients achieve driving level vision without the requirement for glasses or contact lenses.

While the benefits are often life-changing, it’s important to understand that, like any medical procedure, there are some risks and potential side effects to consider. At ClarisVision, we believe that making an informed decision starts with transparent, personalised guidance. Here’s what you should know.

What Are the Risks of Laser Eye Surgery?

Laser eye surgery is considered very safe, particularly when performed by appropriately trained surgeons using advanced technology. That said, no procedure is entirely without risk. Being well informed will help you weigh the benefits and potential risks in order to feel confident in your decision making.

Potential Risks Include:

Dry Eyes – very common (30–50%): You may feel a gritty or burning sensation, particularly in the first few weeks. Most patients improve with lubricating drops, though a small number (1–2%) may experience prolonged dryness.
Glare, Haloes, or Light Sensitivity: These visual disturbances are usually temporary and tend to settle by the third or fourth month after surgery.
Undercorrection or Overcorrection – occasional (5–10%): Some patients may need a follow-up enhancement procedure to achieve the sharpest vision. This is more likely if you had a high prescription prior to surgery.
Infection or Inflammation – rare (<0.5%): These are very uncommon but can occur. Symptoms may include redness, pain, or vision changes. Most cases respond well to antibiotic or steroid eye drops if treated early.
Flap-related Issues (LASIK only) – rare (<1%): The corneal flap created during LASIK may rarely shift or heal unevenly, especially if the eye is rubbed soon after surgery. These complications are typically manageable with a small revision operation and do not result in permanent visual issues.
Corneal Ectasia (Weakening of the Cornea) – very rare (0.04–0.6%): A progressive thinning of the cornea with the adoption of an abnormal shape that can affect vision. This risk is significantly reduced with thorough screening and investigations before surgery. If it does occur, it can be treated with a corneal strengthening procedure, such as collagen cross-linking.

Do Different Procedures Carry Different Risks?

Yes, the type of laser procedure can influence the recovery experience and side effect profile. At ClarisVision, we provide a range of options tailored to your eye health and lifestyle, the most common procedures being LASIK, Advanced Surface Ablation (ASA) and ReLEx SMILE.

LASIK: Quick recovery, minimal discomfort, involves creating a corneal flap.
ASA/LASEK: Suitable for those with thinner corneas, but recovery is slightly longer and initial discomfort is greater.
SMILE: A newer, minimally invasive option with no corneal flap and a faster biomechanical and dry-eye recovery. The preferred procedure for higher corrections or a background of dry eye.

We will discuss which option is most appropriate for your vision and corneal health during your consultation.

What Side Effects Can I Expect?

The vast majority of patients recover smoothly with minimal disruption to daily life, but some side effects are expected as part of the normal healing process.

Common Side Effects:

Dryness and Grittiness: Often resolves with lubricating drops within the first few days to weeks.
Mild Blurriness or Vision Fluctuations: As your eyes and tear film recover from the procedure, your vision can take a few days to a few weeks to stabilise.
Light Sensitivity: Especially common in the first week.
Haloes or Glare at Night: Temporary, most noticeable during the early recovery phase.

If side effects persist beyond the expected recovery window, we will provide ongoing support and address any concerns and issues until resolved.

What to Expect at Your Consultation

Your consultation at ClarisVision is more than just a checklist. It’s an opportunity to truly understand your eyes, ask questions, and discuss any concerns you may have.

Key Steps in the Consultation:

A thorough eye examination including corneal mapping, pupil assessment, dry eye screening and refraction
Personalised advice on which treatment option is best suited for you
Transparent discussion of outcomes, timelines, and risks based on your specific eye health

We welcome your questions and encourage you to bring up anything that may be on your mind. Our goal is to ensure you feel informed, supported, and confident.

How to Prepare for Your Consultation

Bring a copy of your glasses or contact lens prescription (if available)
Note any previous eye conditions or relevant medical history
Write down any questions you’d like to ask
Avoid wearing contact lenses for a few days before your appointment, if possible

Being well-prepared allows us to give you the most accurate assessment and advice.

Moving Forward with Confidence

Laser eye surgery can offer remarkable freedom and clarity of vision. While there are some risks, they are rare and manageable, especially with a skilled team guiding your journey.

If you’re considering laser eye surgery and want to explore your options, we’re here to help. At ClarisVision, our priority is helping you achieve the best vision possible through safe, personalised care.

Choosing the Right Surgeon

At ClarisVision, our procedures are personally carried out by Mr Aris Konstantopoulos, a highly qualified consultant ophthalmologist who specialises in laser eye surgery, lens replacement surgery and corneal surgery. We prioritise precision, safety, and personal care at every step.

When choosing a clinic, we recommend checking the surgeon’s credentials, including:

Fellowship of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists (FRCOphth)
Inclusion on the GMC Specialist Register for Ophthalmology
Subspecialty Fellowship level training in corneal and/or refractive surgery
Proven track record in performing a range of vision correction procedures

Why Choose ClarisVision?

When it comes to your eyes, you want care that’s not only expert, but personal.

At ClarisVision, we provide:

👁️ Care led by Consultant Ophthalmologist and Corneal Specialist, Mr. Aris Konstantopoulos
🧬 Advanced diagnostics and laser technology for superior precision
🫶 A personalised approach to your vision correction
🌍 A warm, patient-first experience trusted by hundreds in the UK

We’re more than a clinic – we’re your partner in clear vision for life.

Real Stories, Real Impact

“Aris is everything I hoped for and more when going into this process. I’m 3 days post op now and already have better vision than prior. Nothing but good stuff to say, I’d highly recommend Aris.”
— Michael, 42, Engineer

“Mr Konstantopoulos was reassuring, kind and oh so efficient. Thank you. My vision improved almost immediately and I was confident to take the car out the next day and I can read again.”
— Terry, 53, Creative Professional

Read more about what our patients had to say about their experience with ClarisVision.