After the procedure : Laser Eye Surgery
Each surgery may have a different way of proceeding, depending on their type of equipment and the surgeon’s preferences, and your personal needs will also dictate the kind of care and medication required after the procedure. Here is a general guide to give you an idea of what will happen.
Effects after surgery
When the laser eye surgery ends, it is normal for the eye to feel somewhat uncomfortable in the next few hours. However, there should not be any distinct pain in the area. Do not be alarmed if you experience blurred vision; this is also to be expected, and your surgeon will explain this in more detail before the procedure. Seriously blurred vision should only last for one or two days, but during this time you should make the necessary arrangements to ensure your safety if you need to travel or accomplish potentially hazardous tasks. Within the next month, your eyesight will stabilize and your vision become clear.
Important advice to remember
In the hours and days immediately following the surgery, you should steer clear of either rubbing or touching the eyes. You are usually aided in this at night through wearing a protective eye shield. It is also recommended to rest for as much time as possible; take some time away from work and your regular activities where feasible. As noted above, blurred vision is expected to begin with, and this means that tasks such as cooking, driving and housework should be handed over to somebody else for the first 3 or 4 days. Be sure to take any medication prescribed by your surgeon or doctor, and to carefully follow their post operative program.
Protecting the eyes
In order to help ward off eye infection, the surgeon will usually provide you with antibiotics for the eyes and also lubricating eye drops. These should be used in the days after the procedure for as long as your surgeon or doctor recommends. An eye shield is also necessary in most cases, and it can be beneficial to wear sunglasses whenever you are outside. This will protect the eyes from UV rays while they are still very vulnerable.
Follow-up with the surgeon
The common practice is for the surgeon to examine the eyes on the day after surgery. They will then make more appointments, likely comprising two more in the first month and another single appointment every three months until a year has elapsed. More or less appointments can be necessary depending on the eyes’ progress.
Note for Athletes
Athletes will be advised to refrain from partaking in non-contact activities (e.g. running, cycling, swimming) for 2 to 3 weeks, after which it should be safe to resume these sports if the surgeon agrees. Contact sports like football, boxing or ice hockey should be avoided for approximately 3 months so that the eyes can make the best possible recovery.