LASIK, or laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, is a popular refractive eye surgery designed to correct vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. This outpatient procedure utilizes lasers to reshape the cornea, the clear, dome-shaped outer layer of the eye. By altering the cornea’s curvature, LASIK helps light focus more precisely onto the retina, leading to clearer vision.
Your Vision Right After LASIK
Immediately following LASIK, patients notice improved vision, though it won’t be perfectly clear. Many individuals report being able to discern a wall clock or facial features without glasses within minutes of the procedure. However, vision commonly appears blurry or hazy, sometimes described as looking through water. This initial blurriness stems from factors like residual corneal swelling, inflammation, and temporary changes to the corneal surface.
Patients may experience uncomfortable sensations in the first few hours after the procedure. These can include mild pain or discomfort, an itchy or burning feeling, and increased sensitivity to light. Redness is another common symptom during this immediate post-operative period. Resting, often by napping, helps alleviate these issues.
How Vision Improves Over Time
Vision improves over time, though individual experiences vary. While significant improvement is often noted within 24 hours, vision may still fluctuate and be intermittently blurry for some time. Many patients find their vision clear enough to resume non-strenuous activities by the day after surgery.
Over the first week, vision continues to stabilize, and most patients achieve 90-95% of optimal vision within the first month. Initial discomforts like dryness, glare, or halos typically subside within weeks, though some may persist for up to six months. By three months, vision usually stabilizes, and most lingering side effects diminish, with continued improvements in contrast and night vision. Most patients achieve 20/20 vision or better by six months, with some requiring this long for full results, especially those with higher prescriptions.
Essential Post-Procedure Care
Proper post-operative care is important for optimal healing and visual outcomes. Patients must avoid rubbing their eyes for several days, as this can dislodge the corneal flap created during the procedure. Wearing protective eye shields, especially while sleeping or napping for the first few days to a week, helps prevent accidental rubbing.
Prescribed eye drops, typically including antibiotics and steroids, prevent infection, reduce inflammation, and combat dryness. These drops should be used as directed, often every few hours while awake, and hands should be washed before application. Avoid getting water in the eyes for at least a week, meaning careful showering and refraining from swimming, hot tubs, or Jacuzzis for one to two weeks. Also avoid eye makeup for about a week and dusty environments to minimize irritation and infection risk. Regular follow-up appointments monitor healing and assess vision progression.