So you made the decision to have LASIK laser vision correction. You found an experienced doctor who performed the procedure on one or both of your eyes. Now what?
Post-LASIK Recovery - What Not to Do
The primary goal for our post-operative
LASIK eye surgery patients is to protect their eyes from bright lights, water, and irritants. Doctors often advise patients to go home and sleep after the surgery. This gives the eyes a chance to heal, and minimizes discomfort as well; the patient sleeps through the most painful phase of recovery after the anesthetic eye drops wear off.
Patients might be given antibiotic or lubricating eye drops to use. It's advisable to avoid watching television, reading, or staring at a computer monitor for 24 hours after
laser vision correction. If the eyes are strained, they won't heal as quickly.
Also, patients should protect their eyes from bright lights. Sunglasses should be worn whenever the patient goes outside during the day. Protective eye shields should be worn at night for up to seven days following the LASIK procedure. Patients are also advised to take baths rather than showers for a few days, and to avoid getting water in their eyes. Dust and smoke should also be avoided for several days.
Follow-up Appointments
The ophthalmologist will schedule routine check-ups to measure the patient's recovery and ensure that no complications are arising. It's very important to attend these check-ups. The doctor will also address any questions or concerns the patient has regarding the post-operative phase. Blurry vision and persistently dry eyes are two common after-effects of LASIK. Other changes in vision should be brought to the doctor's attention.
Best of all, patients can expect better eyesight after LASIK. Most experience a notable improvement within a day. Patients typically have trouble seeing objects up close or far away, but this is temporary. Within one to three months, the patient's vision will stabilize and they will see the world with greater clarity. View our
LASIK FAQs page to learn more.