If you’re thinking of getting LASIK surgery, knowing how it works is important. However, many are unaware of what to expect after the surgery, and this is what we’re going to discuss in this post.
This blog post does not replace medical advice and should not be implemented prior to consulting a fully certified medical professional.
Right After the Procedure
As soon as you open your eyes after the surgery, expect an immediate improved vision. However, not everything will be clear, but your new vision will be pretty amazing immediately after the surgery.
Within a few hours, you will notice your vision becoming clearer. In fact, you can drive after 24 hours. However, your eyes will take a bit longer to fully heal from the surgery, which usually takes six months.
The First 24 Hours
Within 24 hours of your surgery, your vision will improve significantly, but it will be a bit foggy. However, it will improve in an hour or so. Since you are not allowed to drive within the first 24 hours, you need someone to drive you home. Also, your eyes will be covered with protective eye shields to protect them from injury. Your eyes will be more sensitive to light at this point.
The Day After
The day after your surgery, you will return to the clinic for a post-op check. Ensure not to miss this because it’s crucial your doctor closely monitors the healing process and ensures that everything’s going as planned.
Your doctor will remove your eye shield and test your vision. The improvements following your surgery will also be noted. If you’re experiencing any unusual symptoms or have any questions or concerns, please bring that up to your doctor. After the initial post-op check, your next visit will be after a week.
The First Few Weeks
Your eyes will be working hard to heal during the first few days following the surgery; therefore, you will be asked to avoid reading and instead, focus on resting your eyes. You should also avoid eye makeup and any cosmetic products applied to the eyes. Also, you will be advised to avoid using facial products or hair colouring for at least 36 hours following your LASIK surgery.
You won’t be allowed to swim or go in a hot tub for at least a week after your surgery. It’s also crucial you avoid dusty environments to prevent infections.
Whenever you go outdoors, you will need to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the glare of the sun and UV rays. This is also when you would notice that you are more sensitive to light.
After a week, you don’t need to wear your protective eye shield for sleep, and most likely, you can resume your workouts again. Still, avoid contact sports or weightlifting until you have reached your one month.
The Following Months
It may take 3-6 months for your vision to be stable, so you’re expected to go to the clinic during this time to check your progress. During this time, expect to experience glare, halos, starbursts, and other symptoms that may take longer to resolve.
Conclusion
Knowing what to expect after your LASIK surgery is important. The more informed you are, the more confident you would feel about it. Getting a LASIK surgery is nothing to worry about, especially if you receive the procedure in a trusted clinic.
Schedule your laser eye surgery in Abbotsford, BC with Valley Laser Eye Centre. We only use state-of-the-art technology to deliver the best eye care to our patients. Contact us today!