If you’re looking for a worthwhile vision correction solution, your doctor may recommend LASIK. With an average of 700,000 Americans undergoing LASIK surgery each year, LASIK surgery has helped improve vision for years.
As you prepare for your surgery, you’ll want to know what to expect after LASIK. How long will recovery take? What should you avoid doing after surgery?
To help you take advantage of the benefits of your LASIK surgery, we’ve put together some common FAQs on what to expect after LASIK.
What to Expect After LASIK: Common FAQs
How Long Does LASIK Take to Heal?
Within the first 24 hours, you will have a follow-up appointment with your ophthalmologist to assess your recovery. Time to heal after LASIK will differ from patient to patient. Generally, patients experience clearer vision within 24 hours after the surgery.
A universally recommended tip for healing directly after surgery is to sleep. Among many sleep benefits, one is healing. So it is recommended that you get plenty of rest to allow your eyes to heal properly.
For a few days after surgery, some patients are asked to wear soft goggles. These aid in the healing process while you sleep so you can avoid irritating the eyes.
After a few weeks, patients are able to fully recover from LASIK. If you do experience any pain or irritation while recovering, make sure to contact your doctor immediately.
When Will My Blurry Vision Go Away After LASIK?
After your surgery, your vision will be blurry for about 4-5 hours. You should then experience a clear improvement in your vision’s blurriness and clarity within the first 24 hours.
Another after-effect that some patients experience is dry eyes. Most doctors can prescribe you eye drops to alleviate dry eye discomfort. These dry eye symptoms will resolve within the following weeks after your surgery.
How Long After LASIK Can I…
Understandably, you want to get back to the things you love after LASIK. Nevertheless, your health is just as important! When it comes to certain strenuous activities, it’s important to know what you can and can’t do.
Drive?
Depending on the doctor and patient, you may take a sedative before your LASIK surgery. Thus, it is recommended that you do not drive yourself to your LASIK appointment. You should also make arrangements for someone to drive you home after surgery. For at least 24 hours after your LASIK surgery, it is recommended that you do not drive. After surgery, your doctor can confirm whether or not you are fine to drive at your first follow-up appointment.
Watch TV?
Other things to expect after LASIK involve activities like watching TV, swimming or even taking a shower. You should not place unnecessary strain on your eyes after LASIK surgery. This means avoiding things like watching TV, reading or staring at a computer screen. It is also recommended that you take a bath after your surgery to avoid irritating your eyes with soap. When you feel comfortable, ease yourself back into these activities and take breaks when needed!
Go Swimming?
If you’ve ever gone swimming in a pool without goggles, then you understand how a pool’s chlorine can easily irritate your eyes. So it is recommended that you don’t go swimming for at least a week after LASIK. If you’re itching to get back in the water, talk with your doctor to see when you’re able to swim without worry.
How Long Do You Have to Wear Sunglasses After LASIK?
You should expect some eye sensitivity after LASIK. Most people experience sensitivity to bright lights post-LASIK. This is temporary and should go away relatively quickly—12-24 hours after surgery. In the meantime, you should wear sunglasses to help protect your eyes.
Talk to your doctor to determine what kind of sunglasses are the best for your healing eyes. Generally, it is recommended that your sunglasses offer UV protection and have polarized lenses.
Want to find the best vision correction solution so you can live a glasses-free life? Contact the staff at Carrot LASIK & Eye Center today or call (480) 561-6000 to schedule an appointment with our expert ophthalmologists!
