Refractive errors can make it harder for a person to see clearly. They occur due to the irregularities in your cornea that keep light from focusing properly on the retina. The four main types of refractive errors include nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism and presbyopia. If you have any of these eye conditions, your eye specialist might recommend eyeglasses, contacts or laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) eye surgery.
LASIK is the most known laser refractive surgery to address vision problems. It’s an outpatient procedure that usually takes 30 minutes to complete. Read on to find out what you should expect after getting LASIK.
What Is LASIK Eye Surgery?
LASIK is an eye surgery that uses a special laser that reshapes the cornea. However, not everyone with refractive errors is an ideal candidate for LASIK. Individuals who are pregnant, nursing and below the age of 18 shouldn’t undergo this surgery. If you take certain medications or have frequent prescription changes, your eye care provider might go against LASIK. People with thin or uneven corneas, severe dry eyes, glaucoma, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes shouldn’t get this procedure.
Generally, most of the patients who get LASIK experience positive outcomes. The surgery involves minimal to no pain. It doesn’t require stitches or bandages. If you’re worried about vision changes as you get older, your doctor can make adjustments. You might not need to wear glasses or contacts as much or no longer have to after LASIK. Several factors can affect the outcome of your surgery, such as your refractive error.
What Happens Before and During LASIK?
You will need to see an eye specialist if you are considering LASIK to determine if you are a good candidate for the surgery. Before the initial assessment, you must stop wearing contact lenses if you do. It’s because contacts can alter the shape of the cornea for several weeks. The result of the surgery can get affected if the structure of the cornea doesn’t go back to normal before your eye exam or surgery. It can result in poor surgical plans and vision problems post-surgery.
LASIK should not last more than 30 minutes. During the surgery, your doctor will ask you to lie on your back in a reclining chair. The procedure will occur in a room where the laser system is. This equipment features a large machine, including a microscope and a computer screen.
Your doctors will apply a numbing drop to your eyes, clean them and use a lid speculum to keep your lids open. They can either use a mechanical microkeratome (blade) or a laser keratome (laser) to cut a flap on the cornea. You might experience blurred vision as your doctor performs the procedure.
Once the laser is placed over your eyes, you will be requested to gaze at a light to position them, and the laser treatment will begin. After surgery, your doctors will place a shield over your eyes to keep the flap in place. It will also prevent you from scratching, putting pressure and rubbing your eyes.
What Should You Expect During Recovery?
Six Hours
Immediately after LASIK, you will notice redness in your eyes and feel soreness and a burning sensation. Your vision might be cloudy, and it may feel like there is something in your eyes. These are temporary side effects of the procedure and should go away on their own several hours post-surgery.
A couple of hours following LASIK, your eyes may remain sensitive to light. It’s best to keep your eyes closed to avoid discomfort from bright lights. You might be prescribed pain medications and lubricating eye drops to avoid infection.
24 Hours
Avoid doing things that can strain your eyes during the first 24 hours after LASIK, including reading, using smartphones and watching TV. It’s also not advisable to use computers and play video games after your eye surgery. Make sure you wear the eye shield your doctor provided before going to bed to avoid bumping or rubbing your eyes in your sleep.
It’s fine to shower the day after your surgery, but keep chemical products, such as soap and shampoo, from getting into your eyes. Use facial products and hair spray with caution. Driving is safe as soon as your vision improves. You must meet your eye doctor for a follow-up appointment so they can check the status of your healing.
One to Two Weeks
You can go back to exercising a week or two after LASIK, but you will need to steer clear of contact sports for a month or more. Always wear ultraviolet (UV) blocking sunglasses outdoors to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. Use the lubricating eye drops provided by your eye doctor to avoid dry eyes.
At this stage of your recovery, you should still avoid using cosmetic products like makeup, lotions and creams around your eyes. They can contain chemicals that can harm and infect your eyes. It’s also not a good idea to go swimming in pools, hot tubs, lakes, oceans and rivers. Water from these places can contain bacteria and viruses that can cause eye infections.
One Month
It’s usually safe to do arduous tasks and activities, such as sports. However, if participating in sports, you might need to wear goggles until your eyes fully heal.
Three to Six Months
Your eyes will continue to recover three to six months after LASIK, and your vision will gradually improve. However, you might need a longer recovery time if you have severe myopia or nearsightedness. Surgeries for significant refractive errors can be more invasive than milder conditions. Keep up with your follow-up appointment schedule and follow your surgical team’s care plan.
Post-LASIK Care Tips
Allow Your Eyes to Rest After Surgery
While LASIK is a minimally invasive surgery, your eye doctor will encourage you to rest after. It’s so you can heal more safely and faster. Avoid doing activities that can strain your eyes, such as using smart devices like phones and tablets and reading small texts from books and magazines. Refrain from using your computer, watching TV and playing video games.
Stay Away From Bright Lights and Wear UV-Blocking Sunglasses
Patients usually experience light sensitivity for the first few days following surgery. When inside the house, keep out of intensely lit places. Don’t go outside during the peak sun hours. Wear a brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses if you need to go out during the day.
Always Bring Artificial Tears With You
Dry eye is a common occurrence after LASIK. Fortunately, you can get relief from its symptoms by using artificial tears. It’s normal to experience the condition for a few weeks or months after surgery. Make sure you always have lubricating eye drops and use them often.
Avoid Dry and Dusty Places
Since you are more prone to dry eye after surgery, you want to avoid dry places. Stay away from areas where there is a lot of smoke and dust. They can further dry and irritate your eyes, causing discomfort.
Attend Your Follow-Up Checkups
Follow-up appointments will allow your eye doctors to track your progress. They can catch surgery-related problems early and provide treatment. Eye specialists will almost instantly track abnormalities in your eye and determine the best course of action.
