Posted by: Associates in Ophthalmology (NJ) in LASIK

LASIK surgery corrects refractive errors, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, to enhance your vision. While you’re likely excited about tossing away those glasses and enjoying your new crystal-clear vision post-LASIK, it’s also natural to have questions about the process, including recovery.

Luckily, it’s easy to educate yourself beforehand so you can learn how to prepare and have the smoothest recovery possible. Keep reading to learn more about what to expect the day after your LASIK surgery.

What is LASIK Surgery?

LASIK surgery is a vision correction procedure that uses lasers to reshape the cornea, improving eyesight in patients with nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. It has helped millions of patients achieve visual freedom from glasses and contacts.

The procedure itself is relatively quick, taking less than half an hour. Your LASIK surgeon will first numb your eyes with anesthetic eye drops and then create a small flap in the cornea with a femtosecond laser.

They will fold the corneal flap back and then reshape the underlying tissue with an excimer laser. Your LASIK surgeon will put the flap back in place, allowing it to act as a natural bandage while your eye heals.

What is LASIK Recovery Like?

You’ll receive detailed instructions about post-operative care at your LASIK consultation before the procedure, including what to expect the first day after LASIK. These instructions include the following: 

Take the Day Off & Rest 

Make sure to take the day off of school, work, or other strenuous activities. You’ll want to rest as much as possible and give your eyes a break. 

Attend Your Follow-Up Appointment

Your LASIK surgeon will have you attend a follow-up appointment the day after the procedure to assess how your eyes are healing. At this time, they will let you know when it’s safe to return to activities like working, driving, and exercising.

Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes

Rubbing your eyes can disrupt the healing process and increase the risk of infection. Your LASIK surgeon will provide you with an eye shield to keep you from touching your eyes. 

Limit Screen Time

Staring at screens like phones and TVs can strain your eyes. While you don’t have to avoid them entirely, try to let your eyes rest as much as possible. 

Wear Sunglasses

Wearing sunglasses while outside after LASIK can help protect your eyes from UV damage and reduce eye strain.

Use Eye Drops

After LASIK, your surgeon will prescribe you special eye drops that reduce inflammation and prevent infection. Make sure to apply them as often as directed.

Monitor Your Symptoms

While it’s normal to experience mild discomfort and temporary symptoms such as dry, watery eyes and sensitivity to light, you should contact your LASIK surgeon at Associates in Ophthalmology if you begin experiencing:

  • Severe eye pain
  • Nausea
  • Vision loss 
  • Signs of swelling or fever

What Will My Vision Be Like the Day After LASIK?

You may notice your vision is clearer already, but if it takes up to a week for your vision to improve, this is also normal. Most LASIK patients experience visual improvements within the first one to three days after the procedure.

Your vision will continue improving as your eyes heal, reaching peak clarity several weeks to months later.

Do you want to learn more about LASIK and find out whether it could be right for you? Schedule an appointment at Associates in Ophthalmology in Livingston, NJ, today!