Lasik Surgery Recovery
LASIK surgery recovery will generally be pain free and brief, it usually lasts only one to two days if the surgery is successful. But, there are some instances where LASIK recovery may be extended if the surgery is un-successful or the patient develops other complications. It is important to note that the LASIK procedure is not finished once the surgery is done and the patient walks out the door, but consists of a number of post-operative procedures which must be carefully followed
Here is a list of steps that the patient can expect to follow during the LASIK surgery recovery process:
1. Immediately after the surgery you may experience a burning, itching, or irritating sensation in the eye, as well as blurred vision and haziness in some cases (although many experience improved vision immediately after the surgery, others may take up to one day to one week to achieve improved vision). Other symptoms can include excessive tearing or watering, light sensitivity, and a bloodshot appearance to the eye. During this initial phase of the LASIK surgery recovery process the patient must carefully follow the following post-operative procedures:
a. Do not rub the eye, even though it may be tempting- this may dislodge the flap and create significant complications. It may also promote infection and further irritation.
b. You must relax the eyes, and preferably sleep at this point, and for one day after the surgery; this includes not watching tv or reading, no computer usage at all, and no squinting or otherwise straining the eye.
c. You must wear the protective goggles which the surgeon will provide for you immediately after the surgery; these will prevent the eye from drying out, and also act as a general shield for the eye as well.
d. You must avoid taking a shower on the first day after your surgery to avoid the spray hitting your eyes.
e. You must have someone drive you home after the surgery, since you will be in no condition to transport yourself home afterwards; even if you achieve clear vision immediately afterwards, you will also be given a number of eyedrops afterwards that will make your vision hazy or cloudy, and cause you to tear non-stop and excessively, and this will prevent you from focusing well enough to drive yourself home.
2. In the next few days following the LASIK surgery the patient must adhere to the following steps to care for the eye as well; this period of the LASIK surgery recovery will not be painful if the surgery has been successful, and the patient may be mistakenly tempted to assume that the recovery is over. It is not. The patient must follow these procedures diligently:
f. Apply the antibiotic eyedrops diligently as well as the lubricating drops to help keep the eye properly moist.
g. Wear the protective shield at night to prevent the eye from any irritation or force; this should be done for at least seven days after the surgery.
h. Avoid showers for seven days after the surgery.
i. Avoid eye makeup, lotions, and sunscreens for at least two weeks afterwards; this is crucial, as you must prevent any type of infection during this period, as well as any irritation of the eye.
j. Avoid alcohol for at least two days afterwards.
If the patient has experienced any complications, he can expect his LASIK surgery recovery process to be extended from anywhere from one to six months, if the complications fall under the category of self-healing complications. Even if no additional treatments are necessary, the above procedures should be followed anyway, along with any additional instructions which the doctor may specifically have as well. If the patient must undergo additional surgeries to correct any complications, the recovery time will vary according the type of surgery, severity of complication, and the individual patient– and the LASIK surgery recovery period can be expected to last anywhere from six months to one year.
