Refractive surgeries, such as LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) and Radial Keratotomy (RK), are popular procedures designed to correct common vision problems, including myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. While highly effective for many, these interventions can sometimes introduce or exacerbate Higher-Order Aberrations (HOAs). HOAs are optical imperfections that can cause glare, halos, starbursts, decreased contrast sensitivity and other visual disturbances. These symptoms can significantly impact daily life and quality of vision. Correcting for HOAs after LASIK and RK surgeries has become an important goal for patients seeking to alleviate these symptoms.

Patients who have undergone LASIK or RK surgery can experience an increase in higher-order aberrations following their surgeries. Many of these patients turn to online communities and forums for guidance and information. Comments shared on Reddit, for example, illustrate just a few of the common complications reported after LASIK and RK procedures.

“I had LASIK 3 months ago, and now I suffer from bad glare and starburst, and low contrast issues. I work as a photographer, so this is really important for me.” (Reddit post)

“I had LASIK eight years ago, and it’s been a nightmare since… I ended up with starbursts around everything, eye pain, dry eye, and constant headaches. A second LASIK surgery made it worse. Is there anything that can help?” (Reddit post)

“7 months post LASIK. Question about possible LASIK-induced high order aberrations… Had severe dry eye, then symptoms got worse at 5 months, including double vision and smudging in dim light.” (Reddit Post)

Just as LASIK can lead to HOAs, there is a risk that RK surgery could also make HOAs worse:

• Radial Keratotomy (RK) involves making deep incisions in the cornea, which can result in permanent surface imperfections, irregular corneal shape and vision issues.
• RK can also lead to irregular corneal healing, biomechanical instability, and scar tissue, which can result in HOAs throughout the cornea.
• These anomalies disrupt the uniform refraction of light, leading to various HOAs, especially as the cornea heals and changes over time.

Patients impacted by HOAs may seek re-treatment through LASIK, RK, or other corneal procedures to improve their quality of vision. According to multiple studies, additional procedures may carry a risk of worsening HOAs.

As a result, many doctors generally advise against further surgeries and if proceeding, should be approached with caution only after a thorough professional evaluation that includes non-surgical alternatives, including scleral lenses.

How Traditional Scleral Lenses Can Help Correct Some HOAs

An increasingly popular option for non-surgical treatment of higher-order aberration correction is the use of scleral lenses. Traditional scleral lenses can effectively reduce HOAs resulting from front surface corneal imperfections by vaulting over the cornea and creating a smooth, optically neutral layer.

This treatment option can dramatically improve vision and provide significant comfort for post-LASIK and RK patients affected by elevated HOAs located on the front surface of the cornea.

Other Benefits of Scleral Lenses

Beyond comfort, scleral lenses protect corneas weakened or thinned by disease or surgery. A scleral lens shields the delicate surface from irritation caused by the eyelids and environmental factors, such as dust, pollen, smog, smoke, and others.

Additional benefits include:

• Stable vision and comfort for sensitive or irregular eyes
• Relief from dry eye symptoms
• Ability to customize fit for complex corneas that standard contact lenses cannot correct

Unfortunately, traditional scleral lenses cannot correct HOAs that exist deeper inside the eye. To correct these HOAs effectively, the entire optical pathway must be measured, not just the corneal surface. The OVITZ xwave aberrometer analyzes and maps the HOAs in your eyes, from the front of the eye to the retina, including corneal scars and deeper optical imperfections, to capture the complete picture of your vision.
After your OVITZ-Authorized doctor conducts your xwave scan, the aberrometry data and your detailed visual history are sent to OVITZ optical engineers and vision scientists. Using AI-powered algorithms and the world’s most extensive library of proven HOA lens designs, a lens design is tailored to your exact visual needs.

An OVITZ-Powered scleral lens is then manufactured by a partner lab chosen by your eye doctor. The result is custom wavefront-guided optics embedded into a comfortable and protective scleral lens.

While traditional scleral lenses only address surface-level corneal irregularities, OVITZ technology goes further:

• Full-path HOA detection: Measures the entire optical system to precisely correct your higher-order aberrations.
•  AI-powered lens design: Our advanced AI-design software creates lenses based on your eye’s unique geometry using the world’s most extensive library of HOA correction models.
• Seamless lab integration: Works with more contact lens manufacturers than any other HOA system, including Bausch & Lomb (Zenlens CHROMA HOA), Valley Contax (ARES Lens), Gaudit, and others.
• Doctor-guided fit: OVITZ-Authorized doctors select the best lens for your needs, ensuring quality and comfort.

For patients whose vision problems persist or worsen after LASIK or RK, OVITZ-Added lenses provide a data-driven, non-surgical solution that addresses both surface and internal aberrations. Learn more on our FAQ page.

You might have been suffering for years with increasingly poor vision since your LASIK or RK surgery. Correcting Higher-Order Aberrations after LASIK and RK with more surgery is likely not the answer. But wavefront-guided scleral lenses with OVITZ HOA optics may be the solution you have been looking for.

If you’re still experiencing glare, halos, or other vision problems after LASIK or RK, the cause may be uncorrected higher-order aberrations. Instead of risking further surgery, talk to an OVITZ-Authorized Doctor near you about fully customized Scleral lenses designed for your unique eyes.