What to Expect After LASIK
Posted Under: Studies
What to Expect After LASIK
SAN FRANCISCO, CA, June 03, 2009 — Once you have decided to undergo LASIK to correct your vision, you may have some concerns about what to expect afterwards. This brief, painless vision correction surgery has allowed millions to enjoy improved vision almost immediately with minimal discomfort. No wonder LASIK is one of the most popular vision correction procedures performed today.
Your LASIK surgeon will give you printed instructions for how to care for yourself during recovery. There will be a follow-up visit the next day and another one in a week’s time. There will be more, at lengthening intervals for perhaps a full year.
Immediate Recovery
Immediately following LASIK, you will be asked to wear a protective eye shield for a few nights. It ensures that you do not inadvertently scratch or otherwise harm your healing cornea. Be very careful not to rub your eyes, even though you may feel slight irritation. Moistening eye drops will be prescribed and you should wear dark sunglasses to manage temporary light sensitivity.
Your eye doctor will recommend that you sleep for several hours after returning home. When you awaken, any slight post-operative pain will have lessened and your vision will have already improved. Many people like to take the day off to rest.
• For the first 24-48 hours after surgery, avoid tasks requiring close up vision, such as reading or using the computer.
• Avoid alcohol consumption.
• For the first week, avoid spraying water directly into your face. Taking a bath instead of a shower and using a washcloth on your face is recommended.
• Avoid rubbing your eyes.
• Do not wear eye makeup until your eye surgeon gives permission.
• Avoid spending time in smoky or dusty environments.
Longer-Term Recovery
Most people can go back to work and other activities the day after surgery with very little, if any, discomfort. Some people experience blurry vision the first few days. This is normal and temporary. Several months will pass before your final vision stabilizes.
Regularly scheduled follow-up visits with your eye doctor will ensure the ongoing health of your eyes and an excellent outcome for your LASIK procedure. Long-term complications from LASIK are rare.
In San Francisco, Oakland & San Jose, California, The Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley and leading ophthalmology expert Dr. Gary Kawesch offer Custom LASIK to enable you to enjoy vastly improved vision.
