The prospect of 20/20 or better vision is exciting, but it may seem overwhelming. Understanding LASIK eye surgery and what to expect during your recovery will help you prepare for LASIK at Bochner Eye Institute.
Dr. Raymond Stein and the rest of our skilled eye surgeons will create a flap in the clear tissue at the front of your eye called the cornea. The flap is pulled back, and an excimer laser corrects the curvature of your cornea to improve your vision. The flap is folded back over your eye, and the entire procedure takes less than 10 minutes per eye.
1. The First 24 Hours Could Be Uncomfortable
Your vision right after LASIK may feel like you’re underwater with foggy, blurry eyesight. You may experience some itching or burning after the topical anesthesia wears off, but your post-op instructions will tell you which pain relievers you can take at what dosage. Rest your eyes for the first two to four hours and have an audiobook or a podcast ready to keep you entertained. Most LASIK patients can return to their normal activities the next day, but you should avoid driving until your eye surgeon clears you to go short and long distances.
Lubricating eye drops can ease the temporary side effects during recovery, such as dry eyes. You could see halos around lights and have light sensitivity, tearing eyes or puffy eyelids up to a week after LASIK. For best results, make sure you attend your follow-up the day after LASIK and all appointments.
2. Your Activities and Sleeping Habits Are Limited
Protecting your eyes is crucial the first week after LASIK eye surgery. We will provide protective eye shields for you to use when you sleep or take a nap. These eye shields help avoid accidental eye rubbing in your sleep or irritation from a pillowcase. Wear sunglasses outside to prevent straining your eyes due to light sensitivity, and safeguard your vision.
3. Avoid Bodies of Water
Avoid any bodies of water that might be contaminated for at least a week, if not longer. These include hot tubs, swimming pools, rivers, lakes and the ocean. When you shower, keep soap and chemicals away from your eyes and face. While you should avoid exercise the first week after LASIK, make sure to wear goggles for swimming and sports goggles for contact sports like football for a month.
4. Do Not Rub Your Eyes or Apply Anything to Your Eye Area
To lower your risk of infection, you need to keep the eye area as clean as possible during your LASIK recovery. Don’t wear makeup on or around the eye, such as mascara, eye creams, eye shadow and eyeliner. You may want to avoid makeup brushes altogether to prevent any debris from reaching your eyes. Above all, do not rub your eyes for several months to prevent damaging your results and needing further treatment.
5. Your Results May Fluctuate for Six Months
Expect dry eyes and vision changes for several weeks after LASIK. Laser eye surgery will dramatically improve your vision immediately, but results can fluctuate due to the healing process for up to six months. Eyes may take longer to heal if you had severe nearsightedness, and you may have difficulty seeing and driving at night while you recover.
Learn More About LASIK
Contact Bochner Eye Institute to schedule your LASIK consultation if you’re tired of contact lenses and glasses. Call or email our team in Toronto today.