Introduction
Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, popularly known by its acronym LASIK, is a life-altering eye surgery that rectifies the shape of the cornea. For the uninitiated, the cornea acts as the cover for the front part of the eye, which prevents entry of outside infiltrates and protects the eye from UV radiation. However, due to a malfunctioning cornea, our eyes can experience debilitating problems like near-sightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. In such scenarios, LASIK surgery can be a life-changing proposition that can help the patients get back to their lives with normal vision
Which Symptoms are Observed after LASIK Surgery?
Amongst the different types of eye surgeries like the Small Incision Lenticule Extraction Method (SMILE) and ASLA/PRK, LASIK is prescribed when the person suffering from vision problems has adequate thickness in the cornea. It has a high success rate, but it can still cause some symptoms. Below are some common symptoms that are observed after LASIK surgery:
- Blurred Vision
- Dry Eyes
- Light Sensitivity
- Glare and Halos
- Redness and Irritation
- Mild Discomfort or Itching
- Fluctuating Vision
- The feeling of Pressure or Fullness
The symptoms mentioned above are mild and are likely to go away on their own. However, if you experience sudden vision loss or aggravating eye pain, you should contact your eye specialist immediately.
How Many Days Are Needed to Rest and Recover from LASIK Surgery?
When compared with SMILE and ASLA/PRK surgery, LASIK surgery treatment has a significantly shorter recovery period. People who are suffering from eye conditions such as myopia (inability to see farther objects clearly) can expect complete recovery in 1-2 days. So, there isn’t much of a downtime after LASIK surgery. Even the people who are looking to fly after eye surgery can expect to fly the next day after surgery. However, when it comes to playing sports or getting involved in other strenuous activities, it is recommended that you stay away from them for at least one month.
How to Follow-up After LASIK Surgery?
After LASIK surgery treatment, one needs to do the first follow-up on the same day or the next day (depending on the time the surgery is performed during the day). The next post-operative follow-up can be done after one week. The last follow-up should be done after 1 month.
How to Take Care of Your Eyes After LASIK Surgery?
Taking good care of your eyes after LASIK surgery is essential. Below are some take-care tips that you should follow to get the best results:
- Use recommended medication (generally eye drops) prescribed by the eye specialist
- Avoid rubbing your eyes as it can cause irritation and even dislodge the corneal flap
- Refrain from going into a swimming pool or hot tub
- Use protective goggles or eye shields while sleeping (to prevent accidental eye rubbing)
- Maintain good hygiene around the area of your eye and wash your hands before applying eye drops
When to Consult Your Doctor After the LASIK Surgery?
After LASIK surgery, you need to follow up at least thrice with the doctor – next day of the surgery, next week of the surgery, and one month after surgery. However, in some cases, people can experience certain painful symptoms that may require consultation with the doctor. Below are some scenarios when a doctor consultation might be needed:
- Persistent and severe pain in the eyes that is unbearable
- Sudden vision loss
- Eye infection that may manifest as swelling or mighty cause pus discharge
- Corneal flap displacement, which may cause a severe sensation of an external object in the eyes
- Worsening feeling of dry eyes
Conclusion
LASIK is a life-altering surgery that has the power to change a patient’s life for the better. Therefore, if you are suffering from myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism, you should Book your consultation with a LASIK surgery specialist.
After surgery, it is important to follow the instructions of your doctor religiously to get the best results. However, despite taking good care it is possible that a small percentage of people might experience certain symptoms for which a visit to the eye clinic might be required.