What you can expect during and after Laser eye surgery

Many people now opt for laser eye surgery to enhance their vision and lessen their reliance on glasses or contact lenses. If you're thinking about LASIK, LASEK, or PRK, clearly understanding what to expect before and after the procedure can boost your confidence and ensure you're well-prepared.

This page will provide a comprehensive guide, covering everything from the day of the surgery to the recovery period.

Preparing for Your Procedure: What to Do Before the Surgery

Before your surgery, you will thoroughly consult your eye surgeon. During this visit, the surgeon will:

• Assess Your Eyes: A comprehensive eye examination will be performed to evaluate your vision, measure the thickness of your cornea, and determine the most suitable type of laser eye surgery for your needs. Let's talk about your medical history: We will enquire about your general well-being and current medications. Some certain conditions or medications could impact your eligibility for surgery.

• Procedure Planning: Your surgeon will explain the specific procedure, the advanced technology involved, and what you can anticipate during and after the surgery.

During the Procedure: What Occurs on the Day of Surgery

Laser eye surgery is usually outpatient so you can return home on the same day. Here's what you can anticipate:

1. Arriving and Getting Ready

• Check-In: When you arrive at our clinic, you'll complete the check-in process and the required paperwork.

• Eye Drops: Numbing eye drops will ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. In certain situations, medication may be prescribed to promote relaxation.

• Procedure: When prepared, you will be guided to the laser room and positioned comfortably beneath the machine.

2. The Process

• Corneal Preparation: The surgeon will perform the necessary steps to prepare your cornea for surgery. Depending on the specific procedure, this may involve creating a flap or removing the cornea's outer layer.

• Laser Reshaping: Our advanced technology will precisely reshape your cornea based on the measurements obtained during your pre-operative consultation. This part of the process usually only takes a few minutes for each eye.

• Flap Repositioning: During LASIK surgery, the corneal flap is carefully repositioned following the laser reshaping. It will naturally stick together without requiring stitches.

After the procedure is complete

• Post-Procedure Rest: A brief rest period will be required at the clinic following the treatment. Your surgeon will carefully examine your eyes to confirm the success of the procedure. It is expected to have temporary blurriness or discomfort.

Post-Surgery: Navigating the Road to Recovery

The recovery process can differ based on your specific laser eye surgery. However, here is a general outline of what you can anticipate:

1. The Initial Hours

• Mild Discomfort: It's normal to experience slight discomfort, itching, or burning in your eyes shortly after the procedure. You may experience blurred vision and excessive tearing in your eyes. This is a typical occurrence and should diminish within a few hours.

• Take some time to relax and give your eyes a break. Refraining from rubbing your eyes is essential, as this may interfere with the healing process, particularly if you have undergone LASIK and a flap was created.

2. The Initial 24 Hours

• Vision Improvement: Many patients experience a notable enhancement in their vision within just 24 hours of the procedure, particularly with LASIK. Nevertheless, it is common for your vision to vary in the initial days.

• Follow-Up Visit: A follow-up appointment will be scheduled with your surgeon the day after your surgery. Our team will thoroughly examine your eyes to ensure they are healing correctly and address any concerns you may have.

3. The Initial Week

• Ongoing Healing: Your eyes will keep recovering, and your vision will gradually become more stable. However, you may still experience some dryness, light sensitivity, or halos around lights, especially at night.

• Activity Restrictions: To minimize the risk of infection, refrain from engaging in strenuous activities, swimming, and using hot tubs during the initial week. As per your surgeon's recommendation, it may be advisable to steer clear of eye makeup and lotions near your eyes.

4. The Initial Month

• Gradual Healing: Most of the healing process is finished by the end of the first month. Expect improved vision, although it may take several months for your eyes to stabilize fully.

• Ongoing Monitoring: We will schedule follow-up visits to track your progress closely. Attending these appointments is crucial to ensure your eyes heal as expected.

Tips to Ensure a Smooth Recovery

For optimal results and a seamless healing process, consider the following suggestions:

• Follow Your Surgeon's Instructions: It is crucial to adhere to your surgeon's post-operative care instructions. This includes using the prescribed eye drops to prevent infection and reduce inflammation.

• Ensure Eye Protection: Wear sunglasses outside to shield your eyes from intense light and harmful UV rays, especially if you've recently had surgery.

• Reduce Eye Strain: It's essential to take breaks from activities that can strain your eyes, like reading for long periods, using the computer, or watching TV, especially during the initial days.

• Remember to keep your eyes adequately hydrated for optimal eye health. Follow your surgeon's instructions to relieve dryness with artificial tears.

Possible Adverse Reactions and Potential Complications

Although laser eye surgery is generally safe and effective, it is crucial to be mindful of potential side effects and complications:

• Dry Eyes: Dryness is common following laser eye surgery, but it typically improves as your eyes heal. Your surgeon might suggest using lubricating eye drops to alleviate any discomfort you may be experiencing.

• Night vision problems: Certain individuals may encounter difficulties seeing glare, halos, or starbursts around lights during nighttime. These symptoms may gradually improve, although they may persist in some instances.

• Accuracy Concerns: Occasionally, the initial surgery may not achieve the desired level of vision correction, resulting in under-correction or overcorrection. If this occurs, an enhancement procedure may be necessary.