What To Excpect After Lasik Eye Surgery

When one is considering having their vision corrected they may wonder what to expect after Lasik eye surgery. Here we will discuss what happens following the surgery and what to watch for.

Once your Lasik eye surgery is complete a patient may experience some mild pain and tenderness in the eye that the procedure was preformed on. The eye surgeon may suggest a mild over the counter pain reliever for this. The patient's eye may burn, itch or feel scratchy as if there is something in it. Due to this feeling the patient's first inclination may be to rub the eye area. This however may move the "flap" on the cornea that was created and if this happens then it may be necessary for further surgeries. No matter how strong the urge rubbing the eye should be avoided. Also after Lasik eye surgery the patients eye sight will be blurred and the white of the eye may appear red (blood shot). Night vision may be changed by the appearance of 'halos' or star bursts when looking at bright lights. All of these things should start to subside only a few days after surgery. If any of these symptoms continue past that time frame the patient should contact their eye surgeon.

Within 2-48 hours after Lasik eye surgery there should be a follow up appointment scheduled with the doctor and regular appointments with the doctor should continue for the first six months. During the initial visit the eye surgeon will remove the protective eye shield that was placed, examine the area where the surgery was done and administer an eye test. Also after Lasik eye surgery the patient may be given eye drops to reduce the risk of infection and told to use some form of artificial tears.

Also after Lasik eye surgery the patient may need to wait for up to 14 days or until your doctor advises you otherwise before using lotions, creams, or make-up around the eye that was treated. The patient may also need to scrub the eyelashes for a period of time after surgery. After Lasik eye surgery it is also recommended to not swim or use a hot tub for 1-2 months. Contact sports such as boxing or football are not permitted for at least four weeks after the procedure. The patient must protect the eye from anything that might get in it and from being hit or bumped.

After Lasik eye surgery if the patients develops any new, unusual or worsening symptoms he should contact his eye surgeon as continuing symptoms could mean that there is a problem and if not treated there may be permanent damage to the eye. Remember that after Lasik eye surgery it may be 3-6 months to realize the full benefit of surgery.