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Laser or LASIK eye surgery is a procedure that can be completed in around 30 minutes. It corrects refractive errors, such as nearsightedness, and has a considerably fast recovery time. Once you have completely healed, you may not need to wear eyeglasses anymore.

Continue reading to find out what you should expect after getting laser eye surgery.

What Is Laser Eye Surgery?

During LASIK, your eye doctor will use a specialized laser to create a tiny flap in your cornea’s outer layer. It allows them to access the tissue underneath with another laser that will change the cornea’s shape to correct refractive errors. Within a few days, the flap will heal on its own, even without stitches.

Some of the most common post-LASIK visual disturbances include blurry vision, glares, and halos. You may want to consider taking a few days off work after your laser eye surgery just in case you feel any discomfort. Expect to feel a burning sensation and some itching once the effects of local anesthesia wear off.

What Should You Expect After the Procedure?

Post-LASIK care refers to how you take care of your eyes following the procedure for safe recovery. It can involve follow-up checks with your eye doctor, as well as following a recovery plan and certain guidelines. While you are still healing, you should avoid rubbing your eyes at all costs to avoid infection or dislodging the flap. Keep in mind that the 24 hours after your surgery is the most vital to your recovery. However, you should expect to be able to go on with your daily routine after a day or two of the procedure.

In the first few hours after the surgery, you should keep your eyes shut and avoid bright lights. Your eye doctor may prescribe pain medications, and eye drops to keep your eyes moisturized. During the first 24 hours after LASIK, avoid activities that will strain your eyes, such as watching TV, using digital devices, and reading. You can take a shower a day after your surgery but do not allow soap and other products to touch your eye.

A week after LASIK, you may be able to start exercising, but you should still avoid contact sports for at least one month. When going out, be sure to wear UV-blocking sunglasses to protect your eyes. Also, it is not recommended to go swimming for at least two weeks after the procedure. After a month, you can start playing sports again but still wear goggles for safety. You should expect your eyes to continue to heal for three to six months after the surgery. Moreover, those with more significant refractive errors may take longer to heal as their surgeries tend to be more invasive than people with milder conditions.

At Spectrum Eye Care, we are here to help with your LASIK pre-and post-operative care. You can always rely on us for your family’s eye care needs. Give us a call at (704) 543-9000 or fill out our request form to schedule an appointment.