Highlights
- LASIK eye surgery reshapes the cornea to correct refractive errors – nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
- Patient satisfaction rate is as high as 98.5%.
- Rest is advised for the first 24-48 hours.
- Follow your eye surgeon’s advice.
- Some patients may experience dry eyes, light sensitivity, and mild discomfort post LASIK, but these can be managed with the right care.
- Choose a trusted LASIK provider, like Sohana Eye Hospital for an exceptional surgical experience and smooth recovery from LASIK laser eye surgery.
We congratulate you on undergoing LASIK eye surgery to get clear specs-free vision – permanently!
Now, as you begin your specs-free journey, it is necessary to understand the LASIK surgery recovery process. In this blog, we’re going to give you some valuable insights and practical tips for a safe, smooth, and successful recovery.
What is LASIK Eye Surgery Recovery Like?
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis), is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that aims at reshaping the cornea and correcting various refractive errors –
- Myopia (Nearsightedness)
- Hyperopia (Farsightedness)
- Astigmatism (Blurry close and distant vision)
LASIK is a highly successful procedure associated with rapid improvement in vision. Yet some discomfort and adjustment is perfectly normal during the initial recovery phase.
Temporary Side Effects
- Dry eyes
- Halos or Glare
- Double vision
- Mildly blurry vision
- Poor night vision
- Light sensitivity
Immediate Post-Operative Care
When you get your LASIK eye surgery done, your eye surgeon will instruct you in detail regarding do’s and dont’s that help speed up LASIK eye surgery recovery time and minimise the risk of infections. Let’s have a look:
Resting Period
Your surgeon will advise you on a specific rest duration as per your individual case. Generally, it ranges between 24-48 hours after LASIK. Go to sleep early on the day you undergo surgery to help your corneas start healing.
Wear the protective eye wear given by your surgeon while sleeping as well, to prevent accidental rubbing or pressure on your eyes. This will help you stay safe from eye irritation and potential corneal injury.
Use of Eyedrops
Eye drops are usually prescribed to reduce inflammation, prevent infection, and promote healing. You should stick to the prescribed doses strictly and must not miss your medications. This will ensure desired outcomes.
Protective Eye Glasses
You should wear the glasses you get at the hospital or other doctor-recommended protective eyewear. They are necessary to protect your eyes from sunlight, other bright lights, smoke, dust, and debris during the initial recovery phase.
Also, avoid swimming and exposing your eyes to other pollutants. This is yet another step to minimise irritation and infection risk.
Do Not Rub Your Eyes
One of the most important rules after LASIK surgery is to avoid rubbing your eyes. The corneal flap formed during the procedure takes time to heal and attach properly. Rubbing your eyes can result in severe complications.Therefore, it is advised to not rub your eyes for at least a few weeks until you recover.
However, at Sohana Eye Hospital, we also have advanced refractive eye surgeries which do not involve flap-creation. These also offer a quicker recovery and return to normal activities.
Say NO to Eye Makeup and Cosmetics
For at least 7 days after LASIK, avoid using any kind of eye makeup. Also, do not use any creams or cosmetics in the area around your eyes. Cosmetics can hamper the healing process by introducing bacteria and other irritants.
Attend Follow-Up Appointments
Let your eyecare provider monitor your progress by attending scheduled follow-up consultations. Your eye doctor will evaluate your visual acuity, address your concerns, and ensure there are no complications.
How to Manage Common Post-LASIK Symptoms
As LASIK surgery reshapes your cornea, you may experience some temporary side-effects as your eyes adjust with their new shape.
Dry Eyes
It is normal to experience some dryness in their eyes during the initial LASIK surgery recovery period. It may show up as a gritty feeling, itching, mild stinging, or burning sensation in the eyes.
For the first few hours after LASIK surgery, make sure you use the anaesthetic eyedrops given by your doctor. Thereafter, use the prescribed lubricating eye drops to maintain moisture in your eyes and get relief from dryness.
Missing doses or discontinuing use without your doctor’s approval can raise the risk of complications. And yes, do not rub or touch your eyes.
Light Sensitivity
Post LASIK, it is common for patients to feel sensitivity to bright lights and experience glare and halos. Wear sunglasses when outside in the sun, reduce exposure to bright lights and limit your screen time. It will help alleviate the symptoms.
Recovery time after LASIK eye surgery
LASIK eye surgery helps you get permanent freedom from glasses and contacts. You need just a little patience to follow the post-operative advice given by your doctor. Soon enough, you will recover completely, and glasses will be a thing of the past!
Follow Your Eye Surgeon’s Instructions
Your eye doctor will give specific post-operative instructions according to your personalised needs. This advice generally includes medication schedules, precautions, and follow-up appointment details. Following these instructions is essential to a safe and smooth recovery. Most patients recover in a few days. Specific recovery time varies from patient to patient and the type of LASIK laser eye surgery.
For a Faster LASIK Surgery Recovery
With modern vision correction surgeries, like SMILE Pro and Contoura Vision, most patients recover within 24-48 hours, and are fit enough to resume their normal lifestyle. Students can go back to college and working professionals can get back to their work. However, you must take care not to lift heavy loads or do strenuous activities for the period specified by your eye specialist.
Choosing the Right LASIK Eye Surgery Hospital
It is paramount that you get your LASIK eye surgery from a reputed eye hospital known for excellence in refractive eye surgeries. Conduct thorough research and look for the best eye hospital in Chandigarh with advanced refractive technologies and experienced doctors who specialise in using these technologies.
Sohana Eye Hospital in Mohali is one of its kind in North India. With a legacy spanning more than 30 years, it is a name to reckon with when it comes to LASIK eye surgery. Expert eye specialists at Sohana Eye Hospital have been restoring clear vision in people for over three decades using not just traditional LASIK but also the modern specs removal surgeries like SMILE Pro, Contoura Vision, Wavelight Plus InnovEyes, and others.
Committed to delivering world-class care at the most affordable prices, the hospital attracts national and international patients alike. Innovation, safety, and compassionate care help drive exceptional outcomes to give you clear vision and a bright future.
While LASIK offers a transformative solution to people looking for clear vision without glasses and contacts, following the recovery guide given by your LASIK doctor ensures a smooth and safe recovery.
Here’s to a clear, specs-free future filled with clarity, confidence, and comfort!
Frequently Asked Questions
What activities to avoid after LASIK eye surgery?
Do not rub your eyes, avoid water activities (e.g. swimming and water sports), limit your screen time, avoid dusty or smoky environments, do not wear eye makeup, and avoid strenuous activities during the recovery period after LASIK surgery.
When can I shower after LASIK eye surgery?
You can often shower neck down post LASIK. Just make sure no water from any source enters your eyes for 10 days.
When can I exercise after LASIK surgery?
You can generally do light exercises like walking 10 days after LASIK, and heavy exercises like weight-lifting after 21 days of LASIK surgery.
