Expectations After LASIK Surgery

After LASIK surgery

After your entire LASIK surgery has been completed, your surgeon will have you sit up in the surgical chair and give you some information of what you might expect in the upcoming days and weeks after the procedure.

Your vision most likely will not be clear for the first several hours. Your eye sight should be significantly improved after the first night sleep.

For the first few hours after LASIK, you will likely experience a foreign body sensation awareness, similar to having an eyelash in your eye. If you experience some pain after the LASIK procedure you may choose to take Tylenol, Advil, Motrin, or similar pain reliever if needed. Taking an after-LASIK nap can help you alleviate discomfort or avoid some of the awareness of unwanted temporary eye sensations.

Common Post-LASIK Experiences

Do no be alarmed if you experience light sensitivity, tearing and/or dry eye sensation, and fluctuating vision during the first few weeks after the procedure. These are common all symptoms, and part of the post-LASIK healing process.

The very next morning after LASIK surgery, you will notice a big change in your vision. On the day after surgery, you will go to the LASIK surgeon's office. This first post-LAIK visit is important so the surgeon can examine your eyes. This first post-surgery visit allows your doctor to steer your healing process in the most efficient direction. Most patients are able to see 20/40 or better and may even feel comfortable enough to drive the day after surgery.

After your follow-up exam with you surgeon the next day, you will be scheduling further post-LASIK visits. It is important to attend all post-procedure visits.

Vision fluctuations and temporary dryness are common over the next few weeks after LASIK. If, at any point after your procedure, your vision noticeably worsens or becomes blurry, please call the surgeon's office to schedule an examination.

See the FDA's list of what to expect after LASIK.

Eye Care & General Hygiene

Keep your eyes clear of any irritants during the first first few weeks post-LAISK surgery. Especially avoid getting anything foreign objects or substances in your eye for the first week after the procedure other than your eye drops. It is very important not use eye makeup for one week after the procedure. It is fine to wash you face with soap and water, but avoid getting soapy water in your eyes. DO NOT RUB YOUR EYES!

Post-Surgery Eye Drops

You will be using eye drops four times a day or according to your doctor’s schedule for one week following the procedure. The drops may temporarily sting when applied. You will also be given lubricating drops to help with any temporary post-procedure dry eye symptoms.

Always wash your hands before instilling drops and do not touch the actual eye-dropper bottle to your eye(s).

Physical Activity After LASIK Surgery

For your own protection, avoid high-contact activities or racquet sports for the first month after your procedure. (i.e. No mountain climbing or scuba diving during your first month post-surgery. Additionally, it is recommended that you wear protective eyewear while playing contact or racquet sports to better protect your treated eyes. Avoid swimming, hot tubs, saunas or any other contact with possibly contaminated water for two weeks after surgery. As early as the first day after the procedure, you may resume jogging, weight lifting, or aerobics, but do not increase your level of exercise for two weeks.

Above any other precautions, DO NOT RUB YOUR EYES!