If you are planning on having LASIK surgery, then you are probably feeling a mixture of excitement and nervousness. Many of our patients are concerned about what the recovery process is like after LASIK.
While everyone’s experience will be different, most patients find that the recovery process is fairly mild. It can take anywhere from a couple days to a couple months for your eyes to fully stabilize. However, most patients find they feel better within the first week.
Let’s look at five things you can expect during your LASIK recovery:
- Some general discomfortFortunately, the recovery time from LASIK is fairly short. But you should expect some general discomfort immediately following the surgery. Almost every patient experiences some burning or sensitivity to light in the days immediately following the surgery.
It’s important to remember that some discomfort is normal and it will likely clear up within a few days. However, you should avoid rubbing your eyes at all costs.
- Visual fluctuationsThere is no reason to be concerned if your vision fluctuates in the days immediately following surgery. This is to be expected. Keep in mind, the laser reshaped your corneas so they need time to stabilize.
- Wear eye shields at nightYour eyes need time to heal immediately following LASIK. For that reason, your doctor will tell you to wear plastic eye shields at night for the first week after the surgery. This will protect them and keep you from accidentally rubbing them while you sleep.
- Avoid anything that might irritate your eyesAvoid coming into contact with anything that might irritate your eyes, such as cigarette smoke or dust. Don’t wear any eye makeup for the first week after the surgery. You can continue to shower like normal but don’t fully submerge your head under the water.
- A follow-up appointment with your doctorSometime during the first week after the surgery, you will have a follow-up appointment with your doctor. Your doctor will check your vision and ensure that your corneas are healing as they should. This will give you a chance to discuss any symptoms you are having with your doctor.
To learn more about LASIK and what you can expect, contact our office to schedule your LASIK consultation with one of our doctors.
