What to Expect After LASIK Eye Surgery?

Posted by: Manhattan LASIK Center

LASIK laser eye surgery remains one of the most popular forms of laser vision correction. This procedure involves creating a flap in the outermost layer of the cornea, which is opened and through which the underlying cornea is reshaped so that the refractive errors are corrected. The flap is then replaced and left to heal with no need for sutures. After treatment, patients have little to no need to rely on prescription eyewear to see clearly again. Our patients can benefit from LASIK laser eye surgery at any of our office locations, including our LASIK center in Paramus, NJ.

LASIK is a very straightforward procedure and has transformed the vision of countless people since it was first introduced. Knowing what to expect after your laser eye surgery is just as important as understanding what is involved in the procedure itself, as this gives you time to prepare for what lies ahead. Here’s what you need to know about what to expect after LASIK laser eye surgery. 

The First 24 Hours After LASIK Laser Eye Surgery

The first 24 hours after your LASIK procedure will be when the healing process begins. It is important that you follow all of the post-procedure instructions provided by our team as these will help to ensure that your recovery is as smooth and straightforward as possible. 

Here are a few of the key things that you should know about the first 24 hours after your LASIK procedure.

– Some discomfort is to be expected. This may feel like itching, burning or just general irritation, but should be eased using over-the-counter pain medication. 

– You will need to protect your eyes for the first few days, wearing sunglasses if you go outside during the day – even if it isn’t sunny – and eye shields while you sleep so that you don’t inadvertently touch them. You should also avoid any tap water getting into your eyes for at least 24 hours.

– Immediately after you come home, you should take the opportunity to rest. If you can, take a nap for a few hours. This will help to kick-start the healing process. You will not be able to return to most of your usual activities until the following day. 

– Initially, your vision will seem blurred and not dissimilar to trying to see underwater without goggles. This isn’t anything to be worried about and your eyesight will be progressively clearer over the next 48 hours. 

– You will be given eye drops which will help to keep your eyes lubricated and reduce the likelihood of a common side effect called dry eyes. These should be taken exactly as instructed. 

– You may notice a few other side effects too. These include puffy eyelids, sensitivity to light, excessive tearing, and halos around lights at night. These should resolve themselves within around a week of your appointment. 

– You will need to attend an appointment the day after your LASIK procedure so that our team can evaluate your vision and check on the healing of your eyes. You may be given the all-clear to start driving again after this appointment. 

The Remainder Of Your Recovery

After the initial 24 hours following your procedure, you will be able to start getting back to most of your usual activities. Nevertheless, you will still need to take special care of your eyes for a while yet. You should continue to avoid touching your eyes for at least a week and should keep any cosmetics, shampoo, etc away from them during this time too. You will also be advised to avoid any significant exercise for the first week while your eyes recover. 

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 sports activity where something comes into contact with your eyes. You will also need to avoid any potentially contaminated water – hot tub water, swimming in pools, lakes, etc, for a couple of weeks to ensure that no bacteria have a chance to penetrate the eyes and interrupt the healing process. 

Your vision may continue to improve for several weeks, after which time the final outcome from your LASIK procedure should be reached. It is important to bear in mind that the higher your original prescription is, the longer it will take for your vision to clear completely. If you have any concerns about how your vision is improving during the recovery time, you should speak to our team. 

If you live in or around Paramus, NJ, LASIK eye surgery is available right on your doorstep. Call our offices today to speak to our expert team who will be happy to answer any questions that you may have or to schedule your consultation.