What to Expect from LASIK Surgery

LASIK surgery can be a life changing procedure, especially if you have spent your entire life wearing glasses or contact lenses. Finally being free of your glasses and contact lenses is certainly an exciting goal, but it is important to know what to expect when the surgery is over.

The LASIK surgery itself takes only a couple of minutes, after which there is a short recovery period. When you first open your eyes and see the world without glasses you may be surprised at just how impressive the results really are. LASIK procedures have improved a great deal in recent years, and the results obtained today are much better than those of a few years ago.

Even so it is important to know what to expect after the LASIK surgery has been completed. Many patients may experience eye discomfort immediately after the surgery, and it is important for those patients to go home immediately and rest their eyes. During the surgery the doctor will place protective shields over the eyes to protect them and minimize any discomfort. During the recovery process it is important for patients to avoid rubbing their eyes, since this can make the discomfort worse.

Some patients may also experience watery eyes after surgery, as well as a sensitivity to light. These symptoms should dissipate over a couple of days. If the problems persist or get worse it is important for the patient to contact his or her LASIK surgeon right away. Other common post-LASIK symptoms include red eyes and tender eyelids. The latter symptom may be a result of the lid holder used to keep the eye open during the LASIK surgery.

Right after LASIK surgery some patients may find that their vision goes in and out of focus a bit, becoming very clear and then becoming blurry again. This fluctuation in vision may be particularly pronounced in the first couple of days following surgery. By the second seek after surgery the patient’s vision should have stabilized and no ore blurriness should be noted. If blurry vision or sudden changes in visual acuity are still happening it is important for the patient to contact his or her surgeon right away.

Problems with dry eyes are very common following LASIK surgery, with the majority of patients experiencing some level of dry eye. Many LASIK surgeons will send patients home with a vial of artificial tears or special eye drops designed to add moisture to the eyes. In some cases this problem with dry eyes could become permanent, and it is important to discuss these ongoing problems with your eye care professional.

Patients may experience problems with night vision during the first few weeks following surgery, including halos, night glare and starbursts. This is generally caused by the normal post operative healing of the eyes, and it should gradually diminish as time goes by.

Patients should use care during the first few days after LASIK surgery, avoiding prolonged TV viewing, computer use, reading and other activities that could cause eye strain and discomfort. Patients should also avoid driving until all vision changes and problems have ceased. Night driving can be a particular challenge in the first few weeks after surgery, and patients should only drive at night after their normal vision has returned.

Patients should also avoid swimming or using a hot tub for at least 30 days following LASIK surgery. This will help to reduce the chance of eye infections. Patients are free to take showers or baths, but it is important that they keep their eyes closed to avoid getting water in the eyes. This precaution should continue for five days after surgery.