LASIK Complications Treatment in University Hills, California
LASIK Complications — At a Glance
Severity & Type
When to See a Doctor
Schedule a comprehensive eye exam if you experience persistent symptoms.
Key Symptoms
- Halos, glare, or starbursts around lights at night
- Vision regression — glasses needed again after LASIK
- Chronic dry eye that began after LASIK
- Fluctuating vision throughout the day
- Visual disturbances in low light or while driving at night
Treatment Options
- Scleral Contact Lens Fitting
- Scleral Ortho-K for Residual Refractive Error
- Premium Specialty RGP Lenses
- Advanced Dry Eye Management (IPL, LipiFlow)
- Corneal Ectasia Monitoring & Co-management
LASIK complications affect approximately 1-5% of patients and include halos and glare at night, corneal ectasia (progressive weakening), regression of correction, chronic dry eye, undercorrection or overcorrection, and higher-order aberrations. Dr. Bonakdar has managed post-LASIK patients since LASIK became available in the 1990s and specializes in non-surgical solutions including scleral lenses and scleral ortho-K.
University Hills patients experiencing lasik complications benefit from our 35+ years of diagnostic experience and advanced imaging capabilities, ensuring accurate diagnosis and evidence-based treatment.
Dr. Bonakdar on LASIK Complications
Direct Answers from Dr. Bonakdar
Dr. Alexander Bonakdar at EyeCare Center of Orange County provides expert lasik complications diagnosis and treatment for patients in University Hills and throughout Orange County. With over 35 years of clinical experience and advanced diagnostic technology, each patient receives a personalized treatment plan based on their specific condition severity and lifestyle needs.
What are the most common LASIK complications?
The most common LASIK complications are dry eye, halos and glare at night, under-correction requiring glasses, over-correction, and higher-order aberrations causing ghosting or double vision. Less common but serious complications include ectasia, where the cornea progressively weakens after surgery.
Can LASIK complications be treated without more surgery?
Many LASIK complications can be treated without additional surgery. Scleral contact lenses correct halos, glare, and irregular astigmatism caused by LASIK. IPL therapy addresses LASIK-induced dry eye. Scleral ortho-K can reduce residual refractive error overnight. Non-surgical options are often safer and more predictable than enhancement surgery.
How long do LASIK complications last?
Some LASIK side effects like initial dryness and halos improve within 3 to 6 months as the cornea heals. However, complications involving higher-order aberrations, ectasia, or severe dry eye from nerve damage can persist indefinitely without treatment. The good news is that effective non-surgical treatments exist for most complications.
What is LASIK ectasia?
LASIK ectasia is a condition where the cornea progressively weakens and bulges after LASIK surgery, similar to keratoconus. It occurs when too much corneal tissue was removed or the patient had a predisposition. It can be detected early with regular monitoring and treated with corneal cross-linking to halt progression.
What are the symptoms of LASIK Complications?
University Hills residents experiencing any combination of the following symptoms should schedule a comprehensive evaluation:
- Halos, glare, or starbursts around lights at night
- Vision regression — glasses needed again after LASIK
- Chronic dry eye that began after LASIK
- Fluctuating vision throughout the day
- Visual disturbances in low light or while driving at night
- Undercorrection — vision not as good as expected
What happens if lasik complications is not treated?
Without proper diagnosis and treatment, lasik complications can lead to:
- Permanent halos and glare at night affecting driving safety
- Severe chronic dry eye from LASIK-induced nerve damage
- Progressive ectasia (corneal bulging) requiring transplant if unmanaged
- Continued regression of vision correction requiring stronger glasses
- Higher-order aberrations causing ghosting and double vision
- Unnecessary suffering from problems that have effective non-surgical solutions
How is LASIK Complications treated?
Treatment for University Hills patients is tailored to the specific type and severity of their condition. Options available at our practice include:
Standard Care vs. Specialized Treatment for LASIK Complications
| Aspect | Standard Approach | Specialized Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Night Vision | Halos and glare accepted as permanent | Scleral lenses neutralize higher-order aberrations |
| Dry Eye | Drops manage but don't resolve symptoms | IPL and scleral lens fluid reservoir address root cause |
| Ectasia | Progressive corneal weakening | Cross-linking co-management halts progression |
| Approach | Additional surgery (enhancement) | Non-surgical correction with fully reversible options |
| Safety | Enhancement carries same surgical risks | Scleral lenses carry no surgical risk |
LASIK Complications FAQs for University Hills Patients
Common questions from University Hills patients about our eye care services
Have more questions? Call us at (714) 558-1182
LASIK Complications Care for University Hills Residents
University Hills residents experiencing LASIK complications have more non-surgical options than most are told by their original surgeon. Scleral contact lenses achieve 20/20 or better for the majority of post-LASIK patients with irregular corneas. Scleral ortho-K can address residual refractive error overnight. Advanced dry eye treatments target the gland damage that LASIK can cause. We specialize in making the most of your current corneal status — without additional surgical risk.
About University Hills
Academic community surrounding UC Irvine
Population: 15,000+
Languages Spoken in University Hills
Our practice serves the diverse University Hills community. We provide care to patients who speak:
Eye Health Priorities for University Hills
- Comprehensive eye examinations
- Contact lens fittings
- Glasses and eyewear
- Eye disease treatment
- Emergency eye care
Conveniently Located Near University Hills Landmarks
Our Orange County practice is easily accessible for University Hills patients living near:
Getting to Our Office from University Hills
University Hills patients typically reach our Santa Ana office via the 5 Freeway in approximately 20 minutes. Free on-site parking is available in our building.
801 N Tustin Ave, Ste 404, Santa Ana, CA 92705 — Get DirectionsUniversity Hills Neighborhoods We Serve
- University Park
- UCI Campus Area
Zip codes: 92617
Why University Hills Patients Choose EyeCare Center for LASIK Complications
Corneal Specialty Practice
Dr. Bonakdar has 35+ years treating corneal conditions including lasik complications, with advanced slit lamp and topography diagnostics.
Scleral Lens Expertise
Custom scleral and specialty contact lens fittings for irregular corneas, dry eye, and post-surgical rehabilitation.
Same-Day Urgent Visits
University Hills patients with acute corneal symptoms can often be seen the same day for prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Coordinated Surgical Care
When corneal surgery is needed, we coordinate with top corneal surgeons and manage your complete pre- and post-operative care.
Your LASIK Complications Specialist in University Hills
Dr. Alexander Bonakdar is a board-certified ophthalmologist with over 35 years of experience treating lasik complications and complex eye conditions. Trained at the #1-ranked Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, he has helped over 10,000 patients achieve and maintain clear vision.
Patient Stories from University Hills
See why your neighbors in University Hills trust us with their vision.
Comprehensive Exam
"Not a fan of getting my eyes checked but the receptionist and Dr. were very nice and eased my anxiety."
Comprehensive Exam
"I came back for my yearly visit and had a great experience as always."
Schedule Your LASIK Complications Consultation
Expert diagnosis and treatment for University Hills and Orange County residents.