Can laser eye surgery go wrong?

It’s completely normal to ask, “Can laser eye surgery go wrong?” After all, your eyes are precious, and the idea of a laser touching them can feel daunting.

At Elite LASIK & Cataract in Indianapolis, we believe in honest, transparent conversations. LASIK and PRK are extremely safe and effective procedures—but like all medical treatments, there are risks.

This blog will explain what can go wrong, how often it happens, and—most importantly—what we do to keep you safe.

First, let’s talk about success rates

LASIK and PRK have been performed for more than 25 years and have helped over 40 million people worldwide see clearly without glasses or contacts.

According to the American Refractive Surgery Council:

• Over 96% of LASIK patients achieve 20/20 vision or better.
• 99% of patients report satisfaction with the results.
• The risk of serious complication is less than 1%.

So while things can go wrong, the chance is low—especially when performed by experienced surgeons using modern technology.

What can go wrong with laser eye surgery?

Let’s break it down into possible complications, starting with the most common and mild.

1. Dry eyes

• Many patients experience dryness for the first few weeks or months.
• For most, it’s temporary and manageable with eye drops.
• A small percentage of people develop chronic dry eye, but we screen for this ahead of time.

2. Over- or under-correction

• Your vision might not be perfect right away.
• Some patients need a “touch-up” (enhancement) if their eyes don’t respond exactly as planned.
• We typically wait a few months before doing an enhancement, and it’s usually straightforward.

3. Halos, glare, or night vision issues

• These side effects can happen in the first few weeks.
• Most resolve within 3 to 6 months.
• They’re less common now thanks to newer laser technology and personalized treatment plans.

4. Flap complications (in LASIK only)

• A flap is created in the cornea during LASIK.
• Issues are rare and usually treated without long-term problems.
• PRK doesn’t involve a flap, so this doesn’t apply to all patients.

5. Infection or inflammation

• This is extremely rare—less than 1 in 5,000 cases.
• We use antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops to prevent this.
• We monitor your eyes closely in the days after surgery.

What we do to avoid problems

We take your safety seriously. That’s why we:

• Conduct a thorough pre-op assessment
• Use advanced imaging to check corneal thickness and shape
• Screen out high-risk patients
• Use high-precision lasers and modern techniques
• Provide personalized care before, during, and after your procedure

Your safety doesn’t come from luck—it comes from doing things the right way every step of the way.

Are results guaranteed?

No surgery can guarantee 20/20 vision. Most patients reach this or better—but not everyone does.

If something isn’t right after your initial healing period, we’ll talk through options, including an enhancement or alternative treatments.

Is it worth the risk?

For most people, yes.

The risks of LASIK and PRK are low. The reward? A life with clearer vision, freedom from glasses or contacts, and renewed confidence.

We’ll always give you the full picture so you can decide what’s best for you.

What’s the next step?

Find out if you’re a good candidate for laser eye surgery by taking our quick, no-obligation suitability self-test. It only takes a minute.

Final thoughts

Laser eye surgery can go wrong—but it rarely does. And when you’re in experienced hands, the chance of complications is low and manageable.

Ready to take the first step toward clearer vision?
Take our quick self-test and see if laser eye surgery could be right for you.