After Lasik Surgery

What to do after lasik surgery

Like all medical or surgical procedure, lasik surgery also involves a period of recuperating, where cells can heal and regenerate. Patients are advised to take time off their work or to take it easy for a few weeks to give time to the eye to get used to its “new environment.” Besides, the procedure has some side effects that might need time to heal or stabilize. It is important then to ask your doctor about the potential risks and complications of the procedure as well as the side effects, to better prepare you for any eventualities after the surgery.

Patients will often experience slight discomfort and even mild pain in their eyes. In fact, most doctors will give you a mild pain reliever for it as the pain can be a nuisance. Some experience a burning sensation in the eyes or the feeling that there is something stuck inside the eyes. Some patients will have itchy eyes or tearful eyes.

Sight will not be restored immediately. In fact, vision may blur or become hazy during the first few days. If you feel the urge to rub your eye, control yourself. This will only make the itchiness all the worse. Rubbing the eye will also dislodge the flap that was inserted in your eye. When this happens, you will have to undergo another procedure and even more extensive treatment. So tie up those hands!

People who have undergone lasik surgery will also be sensitive to light or sudden glare. Anything that is too bright can bring pain to the eyes. You will also experience some haloes and white lights in your line of vision. Do not be alarmed. This is normal.

Things should improve after several days. If this does not happen and you feel that the symptoms instead got worse and you feel extreme pain in your eyes, you should consult your doctor immediately. Even if it is just false alarm and nothing is really wrong, it is better to err on the side of caution. In fact, patients are advised to consult or visit their doctors within 24 or 48 hours after the surgery for check-up. They will also have to keep appointments with the doctor for the first six months for monitoring.

The first time you visit the doctor after the surgery, the doctor will remove your eye shield and will examine your eyes. Eye drops are often given to prevent inflammation and infection. Eyes that underwent surgery will often dry up. Doctors recommend the use of artificial lens for a few days to lubricate the eyes. Contact lens should never be worn even if the vision is so blurry.

Sports and other strenuous activities should also be avoided as this will strain the eye and may lead to infection in case dirt and dust get inside the eyes. Patients who underwent lasik surgery should also avoid swimming or using tubs and whirlpools for about one to two months as dirt in the water can easily get into the eyes.

To prevent the occurrence of infections, you should not use lotions, creams and even make-up around the eyes. In fact, you should wait for about two weeks or whatever the time period that your doctor advised before you can put any chemical near the eyes. Some doctors recommend scrubbing of the eyelashes.