Eight Things To Expect In The First 24 Hours After LASIK
Thursday, June 1st, 2017, 10:00 amAfter undergoing LASIK eye surgery, the first 24 hours is crucial to the overall healing process. You will be asked to take it easy and relax. You will not be able to wear contacts or glasses and have to avoid any physical activity. Once the healing process is complete you will be able to resume your normal everyday activities.
The below list details eight things you can expect in the first 24 hours after LASIK to help you get a better understanding of how you’ll be feeling.
- Tired: After any surgical procedure, you will feel tired. It’s important that you take it easy. Your doctor will recommend that a friend or loved one stays with you following your LASIK procedure as you rest because you will not be able to see properly.
- Numbness: In the 30 or so minutes following your surgery, your eyes will feel numb. This is caused by the drops used prior to the operation to numb the eyes so you do not feel any pain.
- Mild itching and burning: Once the numbing drops wear off your eyes will itch, burn and feel like there is something in them. Generally, this is a very mild sensation, and your doctor will suggest an over-the-counter pain reliever to help alleviate the itching and burning sensations that you’re experiencing.
- Watery eyes: In the 24 hours following LASIK surgery, your eyes will water. Do not rub your eyes or dab them with a tissue. Only dab the area under the eye and the cheeks to remove the water.
- Blurred, hazy vision: Your vision will be blurred or hazy after your surgery. The worst thing you can do is rub your eyes. Rubbing your eyes is extremely dangerous as it can dislodge the eye flap, requiring you to need further treatment.
- Light sensitivity: Your eyes will be sensitive, and you will see starbursts or halos when looking at lights. Usually, the light sensitivity goes aways with 24 hours.
- Red or bloodshot eyes: The whites of your eyes will appear red or bloodshot. Do not put any drops in your eyes to correct this unless they were prescribed by your doctor.
- Check up: Your first post-operative visit will occur in the 24-48 hours following your LASIK surgery. The doctor will remove the eye shield, examine your eyes and test your vision. You will also be given eye drops to use at home to help fight off infection, reduce inflammation and lubricate your eyes.
If you develop any symptoms that aren’t mentioned above or notice that these symptoms are worsening in the time period following your LASIK eye surgery, contact your doctor immediately. And remember, do not rub your eyes at any point in the first 24 hours after your surgery.
Category: Lasik Eye Surgery FAQs