What Can I Expect After Laser Eye Surgery

You've finished your evaluation with a LASIK surgeon and set the date for your laser eye surgery- it's almost go time! But, to be honest, there's a small part of you that's a little nervous about what comes after the procedure is complete. Don't worry- the odds are good that the estimated 10 million Americans who have undergone LASIK treatment over the past two decades had the same little worries and fears! We're here to let you know what you can expect in the hours, days, weeks, and months after your laser eye surgery is complete.

The First 24 Hours

Once the numbing eyedrops have worn off, expect some mild discomfort immediately following surgery. It's completely normal to experience an itching or burning sensation in your eyes. Your LASIK surgeon will provide instructions on the type and dosage of pain reliever to take to keep the discomfort at bay.

You can also expect for your vision to be foggy, as if you're underwater, for the first day following LASIK surgery. According to ClearSight, Oklahoma City LASIK surgery specialists, this is normal and should subside within hours of the procedure. Additionally, you will likely experience dryness in your eyes, which will be helped by the lubricating eyedrops your LASIK surgeon will provide.

Upon returning home, it's a good idea to rest your eyes for several hours. Put your feet up, kick back, and enjoy a nice midday nap, taking care to avoid any strenuous activity. You'll be able to resume your normal activities the next day, as long as you make sure to wear sunglasses any time you'll be outside and put your eye shields on before going to bed at night.

The First Month

A day or two following surgery, your LASIK surgeon will want to do a follow-up exam to ensure that your eyes are healing properly. He or she will remind you to avoid touching or rubbing your eyes at all costs for at least the first week following treatment.

One week after your procedure, you will be able to resume exercising. However, if swimming is part of your workout regimen, wear goggles when you are in the pool. Be sure to avoid contact sports, such as football, for the first week following surgery. After that, game on- as long as you wear protective sports goggles on the field to minimize your chance of eye injury.

The First Year

If you were severely nearsighted prior to your LASIK treatment, your eyes may take longer to heal than those with mild to moderate myopia. This may mean that you occasionally still have to wear glasses as your eyes heal. Your LASIK surgeon will provide this information in your treatment and recovery plan.

Be sure to attend all follow-up visits with your LASIK surgeon to ensure that your eyes are recovering properly. If you have any questions or concerns about your vision or eye health, don't hesitate to bring them up with your LASIK surgeon during these visits.

The gift of being able to see clearly doesn't happen overnight- even with revolutionary technology like LASIK! With an excellent LASIK surgeon and some patience, you will soon be able to experience the full benefits of seeing things clearly without contacts or glasses!