After LASIK: Is Recovery Difficult

LASIK remains one of the common and popular laser vision correction techniques in the world. This advanced surgical technique can drastically improve the vision of many patients with refractive eye errors, including myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism. Many patients find that after LASIK, they have little to no need to wear glasses or contact lenses.

While the eye is numb, highly experienced and skill LASIK surgeons create a flap in the outer layer of the cornea, which is then opened so that laser technology can be used to alter the underlying tissue, correcting the refractive error. The flap can then be replaced back over the eye and left to heal.

One of the most common concerns that people have about having LASIK is what their recovery will be like. Although it’s certainly not a conventional surgery, LASIK is still a procedure that comes with some downtime while your eyes heal.

To help you feel prepared, here’s what you need to know about recovery following LASIK laser eye surgery.

What To Expect After LASIK

Your eyes will start to heal almost immediately following your LASIK laser eye surgery, and the first 24 hours of recovery are usually the most inconvenient and uncomfortable, although they aren’t considered difficult. We strongly recommend that you follow the advice of your LASIK team as this will help minimize the risk of complications and ensure that you recover as quickly as possible.

Discomfort is normal during the first 24-48 hours, and this will probably seem like itching, irritation and soreness. You may want to take over-the-counter pain relief to ease it, but most patients manage without. You will also need to take special care to avoid the direct sun for at least 48 hours and should travel home in sunglasses to protect them.

Touching your eyes can dramatically increase your risk of developing an infection. Since your eyes will be irritated, it can be a good idea to wear eye shields while you sleep as this will prevent you from unconsciously touching them.

Take An Initial Nap

Your LASIK surgeon will probably advise that you try and take a nap as soon as you get home following LASIK. Sleeping keeps your eyes closed, reducing the risk of any harmful substances getting into them in the initial phase of healing and ensuring you get adequate rest. You’ll also be provided with eyedrops that you can use to keep your eyes lubricated. This is important since many patients experience a condition called dry eye – a common side effect of LASIK.

The Return Of Your Vision

You can expect your vision to be blurred for 48 hours or more as your eyes heal and your vision adjusts. You might also notice that your eyes are a little puffy, you are sensitive to light, and you can see halos around lights. If you have any concerns about your vision you should speak to your LASIK team, but after the first 48/72 hours, you should start to find that your vision gets progressively clearer, with it taking up to a month to reach optimal clarity depending on the patient.

Protecting Your Eyes

Protecting your eyes should also remain a priority. This means wearing goggles in the pool and protective eyewear if participating in any sort of leisure or sport activity where something that come into contact with your eyes. You will also need to avoid any potentially contaminated water – hot tub water, swimming in pools, lakes etc, for several weeks to ensure that no bacteria have chance to penetrate the eyes and interrupt the healing process.

Although it can take as long as a week to feel fully back to normal following LASIK laser vision correction, recovery from LASIK can be faster and more straightforward than other types of laser eye surgery. Find out more about LASIK today by speaking to our knowledgeable laser vision experts. Call Focus Family Eyecare at (918) 252-0438 to reach our office in Tulsa, Oklahoma.