As with any surgicl procedure, PRK laser surgery has some possible risks and side effects that must be taken into account. Each candidate should remember that a specific end result cannot be guaranteed, although it can be closely predicted based on data from thousands of previous cases.

Serious complications are very rare. Infection is the largest risk, but its occurrence is extremely low. Even if it develops, infection can usually be cleared effectively with medications. Other possible complications include haze, ghosting, scarring, induced astigmatism, and too much or too little healing response. Most complications are treatable with medications or further surgery.

During the healing process, most people can expect to experience at least some of thefollowing side effects:

* Since small amount of the removed tissue regenerate, the laser is programmed to take this into account and to remove enough tissue for the eye to Stabilize at the desired correction, therefore, the initial effect may seem to be overcorrection,

* increased sensitivity to light

* halo effect from bright lights at night,

*decreased visual clarity in dim light, and

*slightly drier eyes.

In most cases, these effects decrease and disappear as the eye heals. Occasionally, some may persist. Contact lenses, although rarely necessary, cannot be worn on the eye for several months following surgery.