No two people share the same fingerprints, and the same can be said of a person’s eyes. These differences make us all unique, but they also make it difficult to predict exactly how long an individual’s eyes will take to heal after LASIK surgery. The quick and painless nature of LASIK surgery sometimes distracts us from the fact that it’s still a surgical procedure, and it takes some time for the eyes to make a full recovery. While most patients report significant improvement within a few days to a week, it can take up to six months for the healing process to become complete. That said, there are some basic guidelines every patient should follow in order to help the process along.
In the days following LASIK surgery, many patients report blurry vision, watery eyes, increased sensitivity to light, and general discomfort. While these symptoms will improve relatively quickly, it’s important to resist the temptation to rub your eyes in the meantime. Mild pain relievers can ease the irritation; be sure to ask your doctor about getting a prescription to help you through the initial recovery period.
You may also want to avoid certain cosmetic products for a few weeks, as well as certain sports; non-contact sports can usually be resumed within a few days, but harder-hitting activities may have to wait several weeks. Everything from football to relaxing in a hot tub needs to be taken into consideration, so let your doctor know about any relevant hobbies before your surgery.
LASIK surgery isn’t for everyone, but as it becomes safer, more affordable, and more effective, an increasing number of people are finding it to be the best option for them. The most important step is to find a doctor who’s willing to be honest and straightforward with you; it takes thorough evaluation and a lot of careful consideration to make sure someone is eligible for LASIK, and it’s crucial that you be able to trust your doctor to be upfront about your overall health and the severity of your condition.
If you’d like to discuss LASIK surgery further call our offices and schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified ophthalmologists.
