After laser (lasik,prk, etc) Eye Surgery]

One of the questions that many people ask their doctor when considering LASIK eye surgery is what the recovery period will be like in terms of what to expect and how long the recovery will last. The recovery time from surgery to back to normal is relatively short but does depend entirely on how well the patient follows the doctor’s orders both before and after the surgery. This short recovery time makes it possible to return to normal activities with better eyesight.

Shortened Recovery

LASIK eye surgery has one of the shortest recovery periods of any eye surgery due to being a laser surgery. The use of the most advanced technology in laser surgery is the reason behind the short recovery period. Lasers do not cut tissue and so there is less healing time involved. The laser actually burns the stroma in the inner part of the eye and does so about a ten to fifteen minute time period.

The eye is not injured and so the healing of the eye does not take the same amount of time that it would if the stroma were to be cut as it would have been in older eye surgery methods. The only cut is in the creation of the flap and if Bladeless LASIK is selected the recovery will be even faster. The actual recovery period from surgery to normal activity is typically 48 hours. After this period the patient is typically free to resume normal activities with some precaution with the overall time period that the patient is asked to be cautious being seven days.

Advice for a Quick Recovery

Patients who have had LASIK eye surgery and doctors who perform the eye surgery have compiled their best advice on how to quicken the recovery and/or prevent complications from occurring that slow the recovery. Some of these tips are prevented below and should be taken under advisement.

• Avoid rubbing the eyes for at least seven days. This may be difficult if the eyes itch or burn; however, rubbing the eyes can slow the healing process and even cause complications. Rubbing irritates the cornea which has been under the laser and is somewhat delicate for a few days. Any irritation to the area can set the recovery back and even send the patient back to the eye doctor. The use of the eye drops that are provided by the eye doctor will facilitate keeping the eyes from becoming irritated.

• Wear the eye shield as prescribed by the doctor. This will help prevent infection from anything that could get into the eye. The eye shield does not have to be worn for very long, 24-48 hours should suffice. However, if exercise is part of the daily routine, during the first seven days it may be advised to wear the eye patch simply to keep sweat from entering the eye, just as it may be advised to wear the patch during showers for the first week to prevent streams of water from entering the eye.

• Medications are an important part of the healing process, if they are prescribed. The surgeon may order eye drops, steroids or other medications to help speed the healing process by preventing the eyes from becoming dry. Failure to use these as instructed can delay the healing process.

• Avoid getting water directly in the eyes. This means avoiding the direct spray from the shower, water that can fall from shampooed hair and even sweat from exercising or extreme heat. During the first seven days, baths should be taken and strenuous exercise avoided. The eye patch, mentioned earlier, will help with this, as will simple changes in routine for the first week.

• Rest. Don’t over stress the eyes during the first few days and up to a week after the surgery. Rest them for brief periods during the day, particularly if computer work is part of the daily routine.

Following these tips that have been provided by doctors and previous patients of surgery will help shorten the recovery period and prevent unnecessary complications. There are some eye issues that may occur for up to six months after the surgery and should not be a cause for concern unless they last beyond six months. These syndromes include astigmatisms, ghosts, and starburst and halo apparitions in the eyes. Should these occur after six months, an eye doctor should be consulted for an examination to determine the cause of these problems.

Patients who follow these pieces of advice can expect to have a quick, uncomplicated recovery and be on their way to crystal clear vision.

Tagged After Lasik, After Prk, Bladeless LASIK, stroma