What Are The Side Effects of Wavelight Plus Eye Surgery?

Is Wavelight Plus InnovEyes Surgery Safe?

“One of the biggest concerns before any surgery is safety—so, how safe is Wavelight Plus InnovEyes Surgery?”

The good news is that Wavelight Plus InnovEyes is a highly advanced and generally safe laser eye surgery. It is designed to provide precise vision correction using upgraded laser technology and customized eye mapping, making it one of the most modern procedures available.

However, like any medical or surgical procedure, it does come with some potential risks and side effects. These are usually mild and temporary, improving as the eyes heal. Common side effects include:
✔ Dry eyes – A temporary condition that typically resolves within 1-3 months.
✔ Mild swelling or infection – Can occur but is manageable with proper medication.
✔ Temporary blurriness and vision fluctuations – A normal part of the healing process.
✔ Flap-related complications – Since this procedure creates a corneal flap, rare cases may experience minor issues like flap displacement.

💡 The key takeaway?

• Most side effects are temporary and can be minimized with proper post-surgery care.
• Choosing an experienced surgeon and following post-operative instructions will significantly reduce risks.

If you’re considering Wavelight Plus InnovEyes Surgery, it’s always best to consult an eye specialist to discuss whether it’s the right option for you and understand the potential risks based on your eye health.

Common Side Effects of Wavelight Plus InnovEyes Surgery

Like any laser eye surgery, Wavelight Plus InnovEyes can cause some temporary side effects as the eyes heal. While these are usually mild and short-term, understanding them can help you manage your recovery better.

One of the most common side effects patients experience is dry eyes. Let’s break it down:

Dry Eyes 

Dry eyes are one of the most common side effects of Wavelight Plus InnovEyes Surgery—but don’t worry, it’s completely normal and temporary.

💡 Why does it happen?

• During LASIK or similar laser procedures, nerve endings in the cornea are temporarily disrupted.
• This reduces tear production, leading to dryness, irritation, or a gritty feeling in the eyes.

💡 How long does it last?

• Most patients notice dry eye symptoms for 1 to 3 months after surgery.
• In some cases, mild dryness may last up to 6 months but improves with proper care.

How to Manage Dry Eyes After Surgery

✔ Use prescribed lubricating eye drops (artificial tears) to keep the eyes moist.
✔ Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
✔ Avoid dry environments (like air-conditioned rooms or direct fan exposure) that can worsen dryness.
✔ Limit screen time during the initial healing phase to reduce strain.
✔ Take omega-3 supplements (like fish oil) to support natural tear production.
✔ Follow your doctor’s instructions on post-surgery care and medication.

If you experience severe dryness, extreme discomfort, or vision issues that don’t improve with eye drops, consult your doctor. They may recommend medicated eye drops or temporary tear duct plugs to help retain moisture.

Risk of Swelling or Infection 

Just like any other surgery, mild swelling or infection can occasionally occur after Wavelight Plus InnovEyes Surgery. However, with proper post-surgery care and medication, these risks are minimal and manageable.

Why Does Swelling or Infection Happen?

• Swelling:
  • Some patients may experience mild inflammation or puffiness in the eyes as part of the healing process.
  • This usually subsides within a few days with prescribed anti-inflammatory eye drops.
• Infection:
  • While LASIK infections are extremely rare, bacteria can sometimes enter the eye if proper hygiene isn’t maintained.
  • Symptoms may include redness, excessive tearing, eye discharge, or increased sensitivity to light.

How to Prevent Swelling and Infection

✔ Use prescribed eye drops as directed to prevent inflammation and bacterial growth.
✔ Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes, especially with unwashed hands.
✔ Wear protective glasses for the first few days to keep dust and irritants away.
✔ Stay away from swimming pools, saunas, or hot tubs for at least 2-3 weeks.
✔ Follow all post-surgery care instructions provided by your doctor.

When Should You Seek Medical Attention?💡 While mild swelling is normal and should resolve on its own, contact your doctor immediately if you experience:
❌ Persistent redness or worsening swelling that doesn’t improve.
❌ Unusual eye discharge or yellow/green pus, which could indicate an infection.
❌ Severe eye pain that isn’t relieved by prescribed medications.
❌ Sudden vision loss or extreme sensitivity to light.

Temporary Blurred Vision and Fluctuations

Yes! Blurred vision and slight vision fluctuations are completely normal in the days and weeks following Wavelight Plus InnovEyes Surgery. Your eyes need time to heal and adjust, and your vision will gradually stabilize over time.

How long does it last?

• Mild blurriness and vision fluctuations may persist for a few days to a few weeks.
• For some patients, it may take 1 to 3 months for vision to completely stabilize.

Will My Vision Fully Return to Normal?

In most cases, yes! However, in rare cases, some patients may notice a slight residual number (0.25 or 0.5) even after full recovery.

✔ Why does this happen?

• The healing process may slightly alter the final outcome.
• The eye’s natural shape can slightly shift as it recovers.

✔ What can be done?

• If a small number reappears post-recovery, it can usually be corrected with a simple “polishing” procedure (an enhancement surgery to refine the results).

Blurred vision right after surgery is completely normal and usually improves within weeks as your eyes heal. If your vision still fluctuates several months after surgery, consult your doctor to discuss whether an enhancement procedure may be needed.

Flap-Related Complications

In Wavelight Plus InnovEyes Surgery, a thin corneal flap is created using a laser or microkeratome (a precision blade). This flap is then lifted so the laser can reshape the cornea for vision correction. While this technique is generally safe, it carries a small risk of flap-related complications.

What Are the Possible Flap Complications?Although rare, some potential issues include:

❌ Flap displacement: In some cases, the flap may move from its original position, especially if the eye is rubbed forcefully during the healing process.
❌ Flap wrinkles (striae): If the flap does not heal smoothly, slight distortions can occur, causing mild visual disturbances.
❌ Flap infections: If bacteria enter under the flap, it may lead to an infection or inflammation, requiring medical treatment.

Flapless Alternatives

Since flap-related risks exist, many people are now opting for flapless laser eye surgeries like:
✔ Trans PRK (Transepithelial Photorefractive Keratectomy) – No flap is created; instead, the laser works directly on the cornea’s surface.
✔ SmartSurf LASIK – Uses advanced laser technology to reshape the cornea without making a flap.

💡 Why choose a flapless procedure?

• No risk of flap displacement or complications since no flap is created.
• Ideal for athletes, military personnel, or people in physically demanding jobs where eye injuries are a concern.
• Suitable for those with thin corneas, where flap-based procedures might not be recommended.

While flap-related complications in Wavelight Plus InnovEyes Surgery are rare, they can happen in some cases. If you’re concerned about flap safety, flapless procedures like Trans PRK or SmartSurf LASIK might be a better option.

Conclusion

Wavelight Plus InnovEyes Surgery is a safe and advanced laser eye procedure, but like any surgery, it comes with some temporary side effects such as dry eyes, mild swelling, blurred vision, and rare flap-related complications. Fortunately, most of these issues resolve on their own with proper post-surgery care.

If you’re considering LASIK but are unsure whether Wavelight Plus InnovEyes, Contoura Vision, SmartSurf, or Trans PRK is the right choice for you, a professional consultation can help you make an informed decision.

📞 Experience the freedom of clear vision with LASIK Surgery at EyeMantra. Book your free appointment now at 9711116605!