If you’re tired of wearing glasses and want an easier solution, you might be considering getting LASIK surgery. It’s one of the most popular eye procedures in the world. But to ensure you achieve the results you’re looking for, you’ll want to follow certain steps for proper healing.
Let’s take a look at what you can expect after LASIK surgery and how best to take care of yourself to reduce the risk of complications.
How LASIK Works
During the LASIK procedure, your eye surgeon corrects the flap of your cornea. The cornea is the dome-shaped surface of the eye that refracts light. The surgeon will reshape the cornea, correcting the refraction issues in the eye
Prior to making an incision, the surgeon will first add numbing drops to the eye to ensure your comfort. Next, an excimer laser will be used to reshape the cornea. After surgery, the incision will heal on its own.
What To Expect After Surgery
You might experience burning, itching, or mild discomfort after surgery. You may also notice that your eyes are watery. You’ll likely want to rub your eyes but try to avoid it. Rubbing your eyes could partially or completely dislodge the corneal flap. To help with the discomfort, your doctor may prescribe a pain reliever.
Other symptoms may include glare, sensitivity to light, and red or bloodshot eyes. These symptoms should go away the after first few days of your recovery. If the symptoms worsen, contact your doctor immediately.
Recovery Time And Expectations
Your doctor will book a follow-up appointment within the first 24 to 48 hours after your LASIK surgery. You’ll also have regular appointments with your provider for the first six months. During these appointments, your doctor will remove the eye shield protecting your eye, examine your eye, and test your vision.
During these appointments, they may suggest artificial tears or prescription eye drops to help with lubrication and inflammation.
Tips For LASIK Recovery
As you recover from LASIK, there are a few tips you’ll want to keep in mind. First, as mentioned above, you’ll have to wear an eye shield or goggles until your doctor suggests otherwise. You’ll have to wear the eye shield for the first few nights to ensure you don’t touch or harm your eyes during sleep.
On top of that, there are five tips you’ll want to follow for a smooth recovery from LASIK. They include the following:
Get help
You should have a friend or family member with you on the day of your surgery. They will need to take you home since you won’t be able to drive or take public transportation on your own. This trusted friend or family member should also be there for the first 24 hours as you rest.
Wear comfortable clothes on the day of surgery
Slip into your coziest loungewear on the day of surgery so you are comfortable during the procedure and can sleep in them once you get home. This prevents you from needing to change out of your clothes and possibly rubbing against your eye.
Get help around the house
The last thing you want to do is fall after your surgery. Have someone to help you during your recovery. You may even want to have someone watch your pets for the first few days of recovery so you can get as much rest as possible.
Use your smartphone wisely
If you have to use your phone, set it to comfort mode so that you’re not straining your eyes or squinting due to the brightness of the light. You can also enlarge the text so you can easily read it. That said, limit your smartphone use as much as possible.
Rest is crucial
Don’t push yourself during your recovery period. You need time to rest. Take your eyes off your computer, TV screen, and phone.
Schedule A Consultation
Don’t be afraid to consult your LASIK surgeon if you have more questions. Our board-certified ophthalmologists, Dr. Gupta and Dr. Pereira, can help you address questions you have before, during, and after your procedure.
Schedule a consultation today at Advanced Eye Surgeons in Boca Raton or Tamarac, FL. Call one of our locations or use our online contact form.
