Preparing for LASIK Surgery?
5 Things to Expect After LASIK Surgery
Surgery always sounds frightening, no matter what kind of procedure it is or how easy your doctor says your recovery time is going to be. Regardless of the type of surgery, the idea of having to spend days or weeks recovering, plus the pain of healing and worries about complications, makes many people think twice.
That said, LASIK is widely regarded as one of the most successful surgeries, and also one of the safest procedures performed. Recovery is generally an easy process, and the majority of patients end up with 20/20 vision – and the qualified professionals trained in conducting this procedure know exactly how to care for you before, during, and after surgery.
5 Things to Expect After LASIK
- When you get out of surgery, you’re going to be instructed to rest in the chair for about 15 minutes as your eyes become accustomed to a new quality of sight. During this time, your eyes may feel a bit uncomfortable due to the numbing drops put in them for the surgery. Given these immediate post-surgery side effects, you shouldn’t expect to drive. Whether you’re getting a ride from a friend or family member, taking a taxi, or calling a rideshare, make plans beforehand to get yourself to and from your appointment.
- Experts recommend taking a nap as soon as you get home. The first four hours after a LASIK procedure are often the most uncomfortable, and sleeping through them will help you and your body recover.
- While the initial discomfort from the pre-surgery numbing eye drops should wear off within 30 minutes or so (and if that doesn’t happen, or you experience severe pain, you must report this to your surgeon immediately), you will still have to be careful with your eyes in the weeks after your surgery.
- Part of the LASIK eye surgery procedure is creating a hinged flap in your cornea that is lifted and then replaced. This flap can be prone to lifting and tearing, which means you must be very careful not to rub your eyes during your recovery. Using eye drops can help with discomfort, even if your eyes don’t feel dry.
- Make sure you don’t get water or debris in your eyes, as they’ll be more sensitive to infection post-surgery. Don’t swim, lift heavy objects, play rough sports, or wear makeup for a few months – and make sure to listen to any other limitations your doctor brings up during your consultation.
Contact Windsor Eye Care & Vision Center
LASIK aftercare is a fairly simple process, and the benefits to your procedure will last a lifetime. You’ll have better vision, you’ll save money on eyeglasses and contacts, and you’ll be able to live life to the fullest unencumbered by eyesight aids. To find out if you may be a candidate for LASIK eye surgery, schedule a consultation at Panorama LASIK today.