What to Expect During Laser Vision Correction Recovery
Our LASIK Eye Surgery or Laser Surgery is a very safe procedure that provides the patients with better eyesight and, hence, a better lifestyle. But, to make sure that the whole process goes smoothly, there are some factors that you should consider. This includes a comprehensive idea of what you should expect before, during, and after the surgery.
We always recommend our patients avoid contact lenses, use any eye cream, and wear perfumes that may irritate your eyes. While these are some common prerequisites, we made this guide to explain what you can expect from laser eye surgery.
What To Do Before the LASIK Eye Surgery?
Avoid Contact Lens
Contact lenses can temporarily affect the shape of the cornea. This change will later affect the accuracy of pre-surgery measurements we must take to determine the precise correction needed during LASIK surgery. Inaccurate measurements may result in suboptimal surgical outcomes.
Moreover, wearing lenses before the surgery can lead to complications such as corneal swelling, infection, or abrasions. These complications can compromise the cornea’s health and increase the risk of post-operative complications after LASIK surgery. Therefore, you should stop using contact lenses around 3 – 5 days before the surgery date.
Instead, patients undergoing LASIK treatment can use glasses as an alternative. Glasses do not alter the shape of the cornea and allow the cornea to maintain its natural curvature.
Avoid Over-the-Counter Medications
Do Not Wear Eye Makeup
Products like mascara, eyeliner, and eyeshadow can harbor bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms. When applied near the eyes, these microorganisms can increase the risk of infection during LASIK surgery. Even if patients attempt to remove makeup before the procedure, traces of makeup residue may remain.
If makeup particles enter the eyes during surgery, they can cause irritation, inflammation, and discomfort post-operatively. Additionally, makeup residues left on the skin near the eyes can interfere with the healing process, leading to delayed LASIK recovery or complications.
Attend Pre-Surgery Evaluation
It is crucial for patients as it allows us to comprehensively assess their overall vision and eye health. During this evaluation, we precisely measure the cornea’s thickness, curvature, and pupil dilation. This allows us to determine the ideal approach for the surgery and ensure optimal outcomes for the patient.
The thickness of the cornea is a critical factor in LASIK surgery because we need to create a flap in the cornea’s outer layer to access the underlying tissue for reshaping. Insufficient tissue may create a safe and stable flap if the cornea is too thin. This will increase the risk of complications during and after surgery.
The cornea’s curvature affects how light is focused onto the retina, impacting vision. During the evaluation, our experienced LASIK surgeon measures the cornea’s curvature to determine the degree of refractive error and the amount of corneal tissue that needs to be reshaped to achieve the desired vision correction.
We provide our LASIK surgery patients with an atmosphere where they can explain their medical history. This may seem insignificant, but different medical conditions can alter the decided course of the surgery. Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or Sjögren’s syndrome can affect the body’s immune response and may increase the risk of post-operative complications or delayed LASIK eye surgery recovery.
What To Expect During LASIK Surgery?
Pain and Discomfort
Local Anesthesia
It blocks nerve signals in the eye, which numb the sensation that prevents the patient from feeling pain or discomfort during the surgery. LASIK patients may experience a slight pressure or sensation of manipulation during the procedure, but they should not feel any pain.
We always use Tetracaine, a topical anesthetic eye drop commonly used to numb the eye’s surface before LASIK surgery. It provides a rapid onset of anesthesia and is well-tolerated by most patients.
Moreover, Proparacaine is another medicated eye drop used to numb the eye before LASIK surgery. It works quickly to provide anesthesia and is often used with other anesthetic agents. When your eyes are numb, the eye doctor will start the surgery, which takes 15 – 20 minutes to finish.
Things to Expect During LASIK Recovery Time
Immediate Post-Procedure Effects
Blurred vision is the most common effect after LASIK due to the cornea’s healing process. It usually improves within the first few days. We advise our patients to rest as much as possible for 2 – 3 days. Some people experience increased tear production or watery eyes after LASIK.
This usually resolves independently but can be managed with prescribed lubricating eye drops to keep the eyes moist and comfortable. Moreover, you can use our prescribed medication if you experience severe pain. You can also wear glasses outdoors to protect your eyes from bright sunlight, which can be uncomfortable immediately after LASIK.
Follow-Up Appointments
We are experiencing severe pain after LASIK is not standard and could indicate a potential complication. We always recommend most LASIK patients for follow-up appointments every 3 – 4 months after the surgery. This frequency can be increased in case of any emergencies as well.
When a patient discusses the side effects, any potential complications can be identified early and addressed promptly. This can prevent further discomfort or complications and ensure a successful LASIK recovery process.
Moreover, we examine the cornea thoroughly, as it is vital for monitoring the healing process and ensuring optimal outcomes. The corneas undergo significant changes during LASIK, and regular examinations allow us to assess the healing progress, detect any abnormalities, and intervene if necessary.
Dry Eyes
This disruption of normal tear function can result in symptoms of dryness, discomfort, and a gritty sensation. During LASIK, a flap is created on the cornea, and the underlying tissue is reshaped using a laser. This process can temporarily affect the corneal nerves responsible for stimulating tear production.
We always recommend using artificial tears or lubricating eye drops to help alleviate dryness and discomfort. These drops can help supplement natural tear production and improve tear film stability. Use them as directed, typically several times daily or as needed for symptom relief. Wear sunglasses to shield your eyes from wind, dust, and other environmental irritants that can worsen dry eye symptoms.
Immediate Post-Procedure Effects
Blurred vision is the most common effect after LASIK due to the cornea’s healing process. It usually improves within the first few days. We advise our patients to rest as much as possible for 2 – 3 days. Some people experience increased tear production or watery eyes after LASIK.
This usually resolves independently but can be managed with prescribed lubricating eye drops to keep the eyes moist and comfortable. Moreover, you can use our prescribed medication if you experience severe pain. You can also wear glasses outdoors to protect your eyes from bright sunlight, which can be uncomfortable immediately after LASIK.
We Also Serve the Following Areas:
- Moorhead
- West Fargo
- Dilworth
- Mapleton
- Casselton
- Barnesville
- Sabin
- Glyndon
- Horace
- Kindred
- Hawley
- Hillsboro
- Mayville
- Tower City
- Detroit Lakes
- Perham
- Briarwood
- Harwood
- North River
- Prairie Rose
Conclusion
If you’re considering LASIK surgery to improve your vision and quality of life, Bagan Strinden invites you to schedule a consultation. Experience the life-changing benefits of laser vision correction and take the first step towards clearer vision today.
At our clinic, we are committed to providing comprehensive care and support throughout the entire LASIK journey. Our experienced team prioritizes patient safety and satisfaction, guiding individuals through each step of the process and delivering exceptional results.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you blink during laser eye surgery, the procedure is typically paused momentarily until your eye is still again. Eye surgeons and laser systems are equipped with technology to track and account for eye movements, ensuring precise treatment.
In most cases, patients can't drive immediately after laser eye surgery due to potential vision blurriness and sensitivity to light. Your surgeon will provide specific guidance on when it's safe to resume driving based on your recovery progress.
After laser eye surgery, limiting screen time, including looking at your phone, is generally recommended to allow your eyes to rest and heal. Excessive screen use can cause eye strain and discomfort during the initial recovery period. Follow your surgeon's instructions regarding screen use for optimal healing.
