LASIK eye surgery is a rapidly increasing form of refractive surgery that remodels the cornea with a laser. The procedure corrects common vision issues such as myopia (short-sightedness), hyperopia (long-sightedness), and astigmatism. By precisely altering the shape of the cornea, the procedure causes light to focus properly on the retina, giving you sharper, clearer vision – often without eyeglasses or contact lenses.
If you’re thinking about LASIK, it’s essential to be aware of the precautions before and after LASIK eye surgery. In this blog, we’ll explore things to do before LASIK eye surgery, what happens during LASIK surgery, and what to expect after LASIK eye surgery – so you’re fully prepared for the journey.
Before and After LASIK Eye Surgery: What You Need to Know
Both the pre-treatment and post-treatment stages are instrumental to the success of your procedure. This guide walks you through everything you need to know before and after LASIK eye surgery – from planning to healing.
Things to Do Before LASIK Eye Surgery
In the weeks before your procedure, your ophthalmologist will conduct a comprehensive eye examination to see whether LASIK is right for you. This is because contact lenses can distort the natural form of your cornea and result in faulty measurements.
This comprehensive eye examination will consist of having your corneal thickness, pupil diameter, and overall eye health evaluated.
Additionally, before undergoing LASIK surgery, the use of soft contact lenses must be discontinued at least two weeks before your preoperative exam. In the case of hard or gas-permeable lens wearers, it’s ideal to discontinue wearing them three to four weeks in advance.
You must also refrain from applying makeup, lotions, creams, or perfume a day before the procedure, as these can cause problems with the laser or increase infection.
What Happens During LASIK Surgery
Ever wonder what happens during LASIK eye surgery? You’ll be amazed—it’s faster and more comfortable than you imagine.
During the day of your procedure, numbing drops are put lightly on your eyes. You’ll stay awake the whole time, but rest assured – you won’t feel pain, only a slight bit of pressure. The procedure is overall a smooth process. A specialised device will create a thin flap in your cornea, which is then opened so the laser can sculpt the underlying tissue.
The actual laser part of the surgical procedure takes only a few minutes per eye. Once reshaping is done, the flap is repositioned to heal naturally, without stitches.
Understanding What Happens After LASIK
So, What can you expect after LASIK eye surgery?
Your vision may be foggy or blurry immediately after surgery. Burning, itching, or a gritty feeling in the eyes is not unusual and will pass after a while. You may even feel light sensitivity, glare, or halos around lights.
The most critical thing is not to rub your eyes. Doing this might cause the corneal flap to shift, resulting in complications.
What happens after LASIK eye surgery varies from person to person. In general, most patients find an improvement in their vision within roughly 24-48 hours. Your eye doctor will give you some drops for your eyes to help you heal and to help prevent infection. You will need to rest for a few days and avoid heavy activities, swimming, and dusty atmospheres while your eyes heal.
Precautions Before and After LASIK Eye Surgery
Compliance with standard precautions before and after LASIK eye surgery is essential to a smooth experience:
Pre-operatively:
- Stop using contact lenses within the given period.
- Avoid eye makeup, lotions, and perfumes before surgery.
- Arrange for transport on the day of your procedure.
Post-operatively:
- Avoid rubbing your eyes.
- Use prescribed eye drops as directed.
- Wear protective eye shields while sleeping for a few days.
- Skip swimming, hot tubs, and dusty or smoky environments for at least two weeks.
- Follow-up visits as required.
Following these precautions increases your chances of a speedy recovery and lasting results.
Why Choose LASIK Eye Surgery
LASIK eye surgery offers patients freedom from glasses and contact lenses, rapid visual recovery, and long-term correction of common refractive errors. When performed by skilled ophthalmologists using advanced technology, it is safe, reliable, and highly effective.
Ready for a Brighter, Clearer Future?
Deciding to undergo LASIK eye surgery – and preparing for the before and after phases—is a choice that should be made with prior knowledge. Knowing what LASIK surgery does, doing the proper things beforehand, and knowing what you can expect after LASIK eye surgery puts you in the position to enjoy a life of clearer, brighter vision.
Whether you’re thinking about it or ready to arrange your consultation, it’s time to take the next step. Your vision transformation awaits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Avoid wearing contact lenses, applying cosmetics, or rubbing your eyes. Follow all your doctor’s instructions to ensure smooth healing.
Anticipate blurry vision, sensitivity to light, and discomfort for a day or two. Vision corrects within 24–48 hours.
Discontinue wearing contact lenses weeks in advance. Avoid makeup and make arrangements for a ride home on surgery day.
A flap is created in your cornea, and then a laser resculpts it. It’s a fast and painless procedure.
It ensures that you recover safely and achieve the best possible outcomes. Proper care results in better, longer-term vision.
