LASIK eye surgery is used to correct vision problems like myopia and astigmatism. Surgeons use a special cutting laser to reshape a patient’s cornea, creating the perfect dome shape of your lens. This influences how the cornea refracts light onto the retina, eliminating incorrect light bends and improving vision. Here’s what happens after LASIK surgery:
Common Symptoms Post-LASIK Surgery
Before LASIK surgery, your surgeon will perform a comprehensive eye exam and prepare you for the procedure. Patients can be allowed to go home on the same day after LASIK surgery, but they still face potential symptoms, including:
∙ Vision changes: Some patients may experience vision problems like glares and halos after a LASIK procedure. While such changes may be temporary, other patients can develop higher-level complications leading to vision loss if left untreated. Contact your doctor if the issues persist.
∙ Dry eye: LASIK can cause a temporary reduction in tear production, so your eyes may feel dry as they heal. The doctor can give you eye drops to help treat it until it goes away.
∙ Infections: Improper eye care after LASIK eye surgery can lead to infections like Staphylococcus aureus and Fungal keratitis. These infections can delay recovery, but they are rarely sight-threatening. Follow your doctor’s aftercare instructions to avoid getting an infection.
Post-operative Surgeon Instructions
LASIK surgeons offer post-operative instructions to help with patient recovery. Here are some common instructions:
∙ Resting the eyes: After LASIK surgery, your eyes will need some time to heal, so rest can be instrumental. Avoid reading or using screens (TV, computers, or mobile) for prolonged periods.
∙ Avoid touching the eyes: Rubbing and touching your eyes after LASIK surgery can increase the risk of infection and interfere with recovery. Surgeons recommend not touching the eyes to improve healing.
∙ Using prescribed eye drops: LASIK surgeons will prescribe medicated eyedrops to counter dry eyes during recovery. The eye drops also reduce inflammation and prevent infection, promoting healing.
∙ Keeping your eyes and their surroundings clean: Dirt, dust, and other pollutants can irritate your eyes and cause complications. LASIK surgeons can demonstrate how to clean your eyes and surrounding areas to promote recovery.
∙ Avoid strenuous activities: Exercising and heavy lifting after LASIK surgery can create complications, so surgeons recommend avoiding strenuous activities.
∙ Wearing protective eyewear: LASIK surgery can cause increased sensitivity to light and dirt, affecting your daily activities. Protective eyewear like sunglasses can reduce the amount of light reaching your eyes and protect them from dirt.
Follow-up Appointments
LASIK surgeons insist on follow-up appointments to monitor recovery after the procedure. Here’s how follow-up appointments can help:
∙ Detect any emerging complications: LASIK surgeons inspect your eyes during follow-ups and can detect potential complications like vision changes, inflammation, or infection. Detecting such complications early prevents eye damage and makes treatment more accessible.
∙ Monitor vision improvement: Your LASIK surgeon will monitor vision improvement over time to make sure it is progressing as expected. They may recommend other intervention measures or adjust treatment if the eyes are not improving as expected.
∙ Adjust recommended post-operative instructions: While post-op instructions apply to all patients, they are not static, and LASIK surgeons can adjust them depending on how you respond to treatment. Patients experiencing persistent dry eyes may have to use eye drops more frequently or for longer.
Schedule a LASIK Eye Surgery Appointment Today
LASIK surgery can help correct eye issues and improve vision. Schedule a LASIK eye surgery procedure with a board-certified surgeon to minimize potential risks. Your surgeon will recommend correct post-operative care to promote recovery.
