Corrective eye surgery involves using a surgical procedure called Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) or Photo-Refractive Keratectomy (PRK). Both procedures are designed to help you see clearly again so you can handle your everyday tasks without the need for glasses or contacts. Laser eye surgery does not require a lot of time, but there are things you should be aware of and keep in mind if you want to learn how to speed up PRK recovery.
What Happens After Lasik Surgery?
Once you have completed LASIK or PRK eye surgery, your eyes will start healing immediately because the initial healing happens rapidly. However, if you are experiencing some blurred vision and fluctuations in your vision for several weeks or even months after laser eye surgery, don’t be alarmed since this is quite normal.
At laser vision correction clinics in Los Angeles your ophthalmologist or LASIK surgeon will usually request to see you the day after your surgery to check your visual acuity and make sure your eyes are healthy and healing as they should be. Many patients can legally drive without their eyeglasses or contact lenses and can go back to work the day after their LASIK procedure.
Once you do corrective eye surgery, there are regular follow up visits that are scheduled for a period of six months or longer to continually monitor your vision and eye health. In many circumstances, a patient’s vision should be stable by the time they reach the six-month post-op visit.
It is also important to note, that if you experience dry eyes, halos, glare or other visual disturbances after LASIK eye surgery, most of these symptoms should be gone, or somewhat reduced at the six-month visit.
How Long Does Blurred Vision Last?
You have to keep in mind that LASIK or PRK surgery in Orange County involves an incision, and your eyes need to heal after that procedure. The body heals through the inflammation process, so this can temporarily impact clear vision. The American Academy of Ophthalmology says it is not uncommon for a patient’s vision to stay blurry for several weeks or even months after LASIK.
Since experiencing blurred vision is a symptom of the body going through the healing process, there isn’t much that can be done to treat this problem. Most of the time, the blurring will fade over time, however, the precise amount of time needed can be different from every individual.
What Happens If My Vision Is Still A Problem?
If your vision is troubling you 90 days after corrective eye surgery, your eye surgeon may advise you on a LASIK enhancement procedure to sharpen your eyesight.
Many surgeons will wait at least 3 to 6 months before performing an enhancement. The reason why they wait for so long is that they want to make sure any residual refractive error is totally stable. This is more advantageous for the patient since it increases the possibility that the last treatment they require helps them reach the level of visual clarity they have been aiming for.
After a successful LASIK or PRK surgery in Los Angeles, you should do your utmost to protect your eyes from injuries, and you should continue to do so even after your surgeon informs you that your eyes have completely recovered.
What Are Mistakes To Avoid After LASIK Surgery?
After your laser eye surgery, your doctor will run down a list of the Dos and Don’ts with you and go over how to speed up PRK recovery. Nevertheless, it is very easy to forget these precautions, since they are things we naturally do every day and we have become completely innate to doing these activities. You will recover faster if you avoid these mistakes post-surgery:
Not Getting Enough Rest
Even though laser eye surgery is a very easy and simple process, your body still needs lots of rest so it can properly heal itself completely just like more demanding procedures. Therefore, it is recommended to take off a few days from work or school, so you can just concentrate on yourself and getting enough rest for a quicker recovery.
Don’t Use Gadgets Immediately After Surgery
Televisions, computers, smartphones, and other digital devices put a huge strain on your eyes. You could experience uncomfortable dryness as well. So, it is best to wait for a day or two after eye laser surgery before you go back online and watch television.
Not Wearing Sunglasses
Not only do you need to protect your eyes from the blue light that your gadgets emit, but you also need to protect your eyes from the harsh UV rays the sun produces after your surgery. A good way of doing this is to wear sunglasses and spend lots of time indoors while you are healing.
Don’t Wear Eye Makeup
It is advisable not to wear eye makeup for some time after surgery because if the makeup gets into your eyes it could cause irritation. You should also avoid lotions, moisturizers, and other face products since there is a risk that it can get into your eyes. Keep away from them until your doctor informs you that you have fully recovered.
Don’t Rub Your Eyes
It is common to experience some mild discomfort after LASIK surgery. Therefore try to stop yourself from rubbing or dabbing near your eyes for about two weeks to avoid getting any infections or causing contamination.
Do Not Drive After Surgery
Your laser eye surgeon will strongly advise you to find a person who can drive you home after your LASIK surgery. As you are most likely fully aware, driving requires you to focus yourself visually and this can be very tiring particularly after the procedure. Once you have booked your LASIK procedure, make sure to arrange your transportation for that day in advance.
Be Careful When Taking A Bath Or Shower
You can take a long, hot soak in the tub or a shower after LASIK, but try not to get water or soap in your eyes. This could sting, and in the worst cases, can cause an infection.
Make sure you choose a professional you can trust to provide you with the clear, crisp vision you are looking for. Your LASIK surgeon should give you all the guidance and care you need to heal properly. If you are interested in getting 20/20 vision, give Excel Laser Vision Institute a call at + (818) 907-8606 today.
