Recovery After Lasik Eye Surgery

Lasik eye surgery brings many people the freedom from wearing contact lenses or eyeglasses. The surgery is easy and almost painless. The whole process can go very smoothly if you have a good doctor and follow all the directions he or she gives you. The recovery period after the surgery varies from person to person and it helps to know what can happen during this time.

Lasik is laser assisted in Situ Keratomileusis. It involves cutting the cornea, which is the clear lens in the eye that reflects light to the retinas to produce images, and then reshaping the cornea with a laser. The surgery only takes about 20 minutes. There is no required hospital stay; in fact, the whole procedure takes place in your surgeons clinic.

It helps to know a little about what you need to do and can not do after your surgery before you even get the surgery. Being prepared is the best way to make your lasik work the best for you. At the very end of surgery your surgeon will put a shield on your eye. This shield is to protect it from any accidental pressure or bumping. The cornea was not stitched so there is a possibility that the cut area can get disturbed if you do not keep the shield on. As soon as your procedure is over the doctor will release you to go home. You should not drive because your vision will be severely disturbed. At this point you may feel a small amount of pain, itching or burning in your eye. Your eye may tear up also. You may also see starbursts and experience sensitivity to light. All of this is normal. Within 24 to 48 hours you will need to have a follow up visit with your doctor. Your doctor will remove the shield and check to make sure you are healing properly. You will need to have regular visits with your doctor for about six months.

When you visit your doctor you may get more instructions on what you can and can not do. Mot often before you had your surgery the doctor explains you may need to take a couple of days off work so your eye can heal and your vision can stabilize a little. You may also be told that you should not wear contacts or use make-up or other cosmetics around your eyes. If you play contact sports you should not play them for at least four weeks after your surgery. Other activities that are non- contact can be done in one to three days. Any swimming or use of a hot tub should be avoided for one to two months. It is important to understand that your eye needs time to heal and doing anything your doctor has advised you not to can put you at risk for further complications or even infection.

You can expect your vision to vary throughout the recovery period. For the first two to three months you may experience regular vision fluctuations. It can take up to six months for your vision to stop fluctuating and become stable. You may experience halos and problems with seeing in low light also. If you ever experience your symptoms getting worse or extreme pain you should call your doctor immediately.

You should understand the recovery process before you ever go into surgery. Do not be afraid to ask your surgeon questions about your recovery. What you experience may differ from these symptoms and situations, but remember if you are ever concerned it is important to call your doctor.

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