Many people opt for LASIK to help correct their vision. After all, the procedure can lower your prescription or even mean you can go without glasses or contacts entirely. It can be a truly amazing experience to have clearer vision after LASIK.
LASIK eye surgery is typically a quick procedure — but it still is surgery. The LASIK procedure is completed with a laser making an incision on your cornea so it can be reshaped.
Following the procedure, you will need to be careful with your eyes while they heal. Here’s what to expect and how to care for yourself.
What To Expect Immediately After LASIK Eye Surgery
Here are some symptoms you can expect after LASIK eye surgery:
- Blurred vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Burning, itching, or feeling like something is stuck in your eye
- Watery eyes
LASIK Eye Surgery After Care
The single most important thing is to avoid rubbing your eyes after LASIK! You’ll also want to avoid putting makeup around your eye and too much physical activity.
You will be given an eye shield to wear at night to keep you from rubbing your eye or putting pressure on it while you sleep. Remember, no stitches are used to close the incision, so you will need to be careful while it heals.
You should also avoid anything that strains your eyes, like reading or looking at screens. While you can shower after the first day, you need to be careful to keep soap and other chemicals out of your eyes. Additionally, you should wait to drive until your vision is clear.
Signs To Watch Out for After LASIK Eye Surgery
While you can expect some discomfort or pain, you shouldn’t need much more than an over-the-counter pain reliever to treat it. If you feel severe pain or notice your vision is getting worse, you need to contact your doctor immediately.
Watch out for signs of infection like redness, pain, or excessive watering.
What To Expect in the First Few Days and Weeks After Your LASIK Eye Surgery
Your first follow-up will likely be within a day or two and then regular check-ups for several months. Your vision can fluctuate during this time, so don’t be alarmed if you have days where your vision seems a bit better or worse.
What To Do and What Not To Do During This Time
You’ll need to wear sunglasses and use eyedrops to help protect your eyes during the first few weeks following the procedure. Make sure you avoid contact sports and stick with lighter exercises until you begin to feel better. You can typically start strenuous activities after a month, but wearing goggles is a good idea.
It’s also important to avoid anything that can cause an infection, like makeup, lotions, and water from potentially contaminated bodies of water. Keep anything aside from eye drops and any prescribed medications away from your eyes. You should also avoid dust, smoke, and very dry areas since these can dry out your eyes further.
It’s important to note that you may experience halos around lights or poor night vision for a few weeks. Your eyes can also be excessively dry for up to six months after your surgery.
You should call your doctor immediately if any worrying symptoms develop.
What To Expect in the Months After LASIK Eye Surgery
Your eyes will continue to heal and you can enjoy better vision after LASIK in many cases. Be aware that the worse your vision is, the longer it typically takes to heal and see permanent improvement. This is because more severe refractive errors require a more invasive procedure with longer healing times.
You’ll likely still see your doctor for regular check-ups until about six months after LASIK eye surgery. Make sure you follow any directions your doctor provides you until they tell you otherwise.
Caring for Your Eyes
You will still need to avoid rubbing your eyes for up to a month after surgery and be sure to avoid anything that can irritate them. If your vision hasn’t improved or you still feel discomfort after six months, you should talk to your doctor to see what they recommend.
Ready To Enjoy Better Vision After LASIK?
LASIK surgery is typically a quick procedure with most done in just 10 minutes! Healing is also quick.
If you want better vision you should consider LASIK. Make an appointment with Gelman Vision and let our team give you clearer sight!