Steps to take after LASIK surgery

Steps to take after LASIK surgery

Published by Lance Kugler, MD on February 1, 2013

Most people talk about what to do prior to your LASIK procedure or how to prepare for a consultation, but not many outline steps to take after LASIK surgery. Whether you’re about to have the procedure done, or have recently gone through it and are confused about how to take care of your corrected vision, here are a few tips to take note of:

1. Make sure someone is with you for your appointment. You will not be allowed to drive right after your surgery, so they will have to drive you home.
2. While LASIK is a painless procedure, you may feel a little discomfort but avoid rubbing your eyes.
3. If you feel mild burning or itching or notice that your eyes are red or bloodshot, these are normal symptoms of recovery.
4. Immediately after surgery, we recommend that patients go home and rest for the remainder of the day. Keeping your eyes closed and sleeping for a few hours is advised.
5. Make sure to use your prescribed eye drops as directed by the doctor. They keep the LASIK flap moisturized and improve healing.
6. Wear protective eye shields while you sleep.
7. Avoid getting water directly in the eyes when showering or bathing.
8. It may take a few months for your vision to reach its best focus, as it takes time for your eyes to heal.

We hope you find the tips helpful. If you have any specific inquiries or suspect a problem and aren’t sure what to do, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Lance Kugler, MD

Lance Kugler, MD, is a specialist in LASIK and vision correction surgery and CEO of Kugler Vision. A proud Omaha native, he is passionate about improving lives through clear vision. Dr. Kugler serves on several national boards, and his practice is recognized internationally as a center of excellence. Dr. Kugler is one of the original founders of the Refractive Surgery Alliance, an international organization comprised of over 350 of the world’s leading vision correction surgeons; he also served as its first president. In 2019, Dr. Kugler was selected as a TEDx speaker, and delivered a talk in Omaha about the worldwide epidemic of nearsightedness and refractive solutions. Dr. Kugler is an Associate Professor of Refractive Surgery at the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s Truhlsen Eye Institute, has been published in many medical journals, and participates in numerous clinical studies to advance the field of vision correction surgery. Additionally, Dr. Kugler is proud to be a Board Certified Fellow of the World College of Refractive Surgery & Visual Sciences. Dr. Kugler and his wife are proud parents to five active kids. When he has a spare moment, he enjoys skiing, tennis, travel, and fine coffee.