LASIK Recovery Process By Eye Physicians and Surgeons, P.A. on September 18, 2013

Many patients considering laser vision correction worry about the recovery process. Most patients that undergo LASIK experience a relatively easy and painless recovery process. The most important rule to remember is to always follow the instructions given to you by your surgeon. During the surgical consultation at Eye Physicians and Surgeons, P.A., in Wilmington, the entire LASIK treatment process including the recovery process, pre-operative instructions, and post-operative instructions are discussed in detail.

Preparing for Surgery

While most patients find the LASIK recovery process to be relative easy, it is still surgery, and the patient will not be able to drive home from the procedure. Patients should wear comfortable clothing to surgery and refrain from applying any facial cosmetics, lotions, creams, etc. It is also recommended that patients have help with their care for the first 24 hours following surgery.

Temporary Side Effects

For the first couple of days to couple of months following surgery patients may experience temporary side effects. These temporary side effects may include:

Fluctuating vision
Blurry vision
Dry eye
Itchiness
Burning
Watery eyes

LASIK Recovery Process

Numbing drops are typically used during LASIK surgery to prevent the patient from experiencing discomfort. The effects of these numbing drops may linger for approximately a half hour after surgery. Antibiotics, eye drops, and other medication may be prescribed to prevent infection and to ensure adequate lubrication of the eye after surgery. Following the LASIK procedure special protective shields will be placed over the eyes. The protective eye shields should be worn for the first few hours following the procedure and while sleeping. During the first few hours after surgery, it is advised that patients refrain from straining their eyes. Most patients find it best to go home and take a nap after surgery.

It is vital that patients wear the protective eye shields while sleeping for the first few days after surgery. It is normal for patients to experience a strong urge to rub their eyes. The eye shields will be able to prevent accidental eye rubbing from taking place while sleeping. During the LASIK recovery process, rubbing the eyes could cause the corneal flap to become dislodged.

Most patients experience minimal discomfort after surgery. Any discomfort after surgery is usually easily controlled with over-the-counter-pain relievers. It is not normal for a patient to experience severe pain after LASIK surgery. In such cases, the patient should immediately call her surgeon.

Immediately following the procedure, most patients experience a significant improvement in their vision. The patient’s vision will continue to improve and will begin to stabilize a couple of months after surgery.

Many patients feel able to return to work within a couple of days of undergoing LASIK. Within the first week following surgery, a follow-up appointment will be scheduled. During the follow-up appointment, the surgeon will examine the patient’s eye and test the patient’s vision. Patients should continue to refrain from using cosmetics, creams, and lotions near the eyes for one to two weeks. Patients should also avoid strenuous activity. Any activity that could affect healing should be avoided for at least a few weeks after surgery.