LASIK surgery is a surgical procedure that is done to alter your eyes or how they focus light, which includes myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. The procedure is quick and non-invasive, but here’s what to expect during the recovery process. The next time you decide on LASIK surgery, this article covers five of those aspects of LASIK recovery so that you have a much better idea of what to expect with the healing process.
Immediate Post-Procedure Sensations
After your LASIK surgery, you will experience something like mild discomfort or perhaps what feels like having something in your eyes. If these don’t subside within a few hours, they can last throughout the first day. During this sensitive period, your Lasik surgeon will give you protective eye shields to prevent rubbing or accidental injury to your eyes. Immediately after surgery, blurry vision is common, but it normally clears up the next day. You might experience light sensitivity and watery eyes; these are gone with time. Proper healing involves resting, avoiding strenuous activities, and carefully following your surgeon’s post-op care instructions to reduce complications.
Follow-up appointments and Medication
Even after LASIK surgery, an eye doctor visit is important to check that your eyes are healing properly and, in case of any issues, catch them on time. During follow-up appointments, your doctor will check for signs of infection or inflammation and assess your vision clarity. Your doctor usually prescribes prescription eye drops – which reduce inflammation and prevent infection.
So, to maximize outcome, you have to follow the medicine regimen as the doctor said. You may also be given over the counter lubricant eye drops to help reduce some of the dryness that is a common side effect of the healing process. The critical thing is to stay on top of your schedule of medications, especially if the appointment to follow up is not exactly convenient for you to be there for.
Gradual Improvement in Vision
Typically, most patients who have LASIK can see a very noticeable improvement in their vision in the first 24 hours after the procedure; however, the full benefits of LASIK may take months. During the first few days after surgery, your vision will gradually stabilize, and sometimes you will be clear, and sometimes you will not. Most people see significant improvement right away or within a month. Other factors aside, the speed of recovery depends on factors like your age, overall eye health, and any pre-existing conditions. Results might not show up right away, though; be patient and let your eyes heal properly.
Activity Restrictions
During the first year after LASIK surgery, it is especially important to avoid anything that may add stress to your eyes or predispose you to complications. Some suggest you may need not go swimming or do contact sports or heavy exercise for at least one week since just that can bring in germs or pressure on the eyes and make it more difficult for you to heal. You can even suffer from uncomfortable bright sunglasses that can be caused by bright sunlight.
Therefore, sunglasses are recommended while outdoors to protect your sensitive eyes. General activities like reading using digital devices or TV aren’t bad if you limit them because then your eyes won’t get strung, and you can heal properly.
Long-Term Results and Follow-Up Care
LASIK offers long-term vision correction, but maintaining your eye health is essential. Following recovery, it is also important to continue to attend follow-up appointments so you can have your vision checked over time. Many patients will need additional refinements or adjustments in order to get the best results. Dry eye is rare, but if it does persist, it can be a long-term condition, so regular consultation with your doctor will be able to help deal with any lingering symptoms. Remembering the keyword as maintaining good post-operative care for your LASIK surgery will ensure the best outcome of your surgery.
Conclusion
The LASIK treatment process has many stages, from immediate post-treatment discomfort to long-term clear vision. If you go by your doctor’s rules, visit your follow-up appointments, and watch any restrictions on your activity, you’ll be able to recover smoothly. The vision improvement will vary according to person, but most can expect to see a very good improvement within a period.