If you are contemplating LASIK eye surgery, you probably have many questions. Don’t let your questions go unanswered. Knowing all you can about LASIK laser vision correction is important. You will feel more confident and relaxed about LASIK if you make time to learn as much as possible about it.
LASIK has become safer than every before and is a highly effective procedure for individuals who have typical vision problems. But even though LASIK only takes a few minutes per eye, it is surgery, after all. So be sure you are informed about how to prepare for LASIK eye surgery, what to expect during surgery, and the best ways to make your recovery as successful as possible.
We encourage you to ask your eye doctor as many laser vision correction questions as you’d like during your eye exam, but the following 10 questions are a few of the most common:
1. Can I go straight to work after LASIK?
- Your eyes will be sensitive for a few hours after the procedure; therefore, it is not recommended to return to work immediately after surgery. You should intend on resting the rest of the day after your laser eye surgery. Keeping your eyes closed for a few hours after will help you feel more comfortable and will help you recover as quickly as possible.
2. Will I have to take medicine after the surgery?
- Your doctor will prescribe several topical eye drops that you will start immediately after surgery. The purpose of eye drops is to keep your eyes moist and to stop any infections or inflammation from developing as a result of the surgery. You will probably not need any oral medication after laser vision correction surgery, though Tylenol is acceptable if you are uncomfortable.
3. Will I need to return for follow-up appointments after my surgery?
- Yes, your first follow-up appointment is the day after surgery. Follow-up appointments are required so that your eye doctor can monitor your recovery process and make sure your eyes are healing normally. Your doctor will also wish to check the improvement in your vision.
4. How can I protect my eyes immediately after having LASIK?
- During the day, most eye doctors recommend that LASIK patients wear dark sunglasses after surgery. Bright lights may cause sensitivity for a period of time after the surgery and sunglasses help prevent discomfort.
5. Can I touch my eyes after surgery?
- It’s very hard to avoid touching your eyes, but you should not touch or rub your eyes for at least two weeks after your LASIK procedure. Rubbing or touching your eyes can interfere with the recovery process.
6. What if I rub my eyes while I’m sleeping?
- To prevent rubbing your eyes while you sleep, your doctor will give you protective eye covers that resemble swimming goggles to wear at night. They should prevent unintentional eye rubbing.
7. When will my life get back to normal after eye surgery?
- Many people return to normal activities the day after laser eye surgery, including driving and working. While you can exercise the day after your treatment, you should avoid strenuous sports and sweat in your eyes for several weeks or a month. Your eye doctor will discuss these restrictions with you in more detail.
8. When can I drive?
- You should not plan to drive yourself home after LASIK. Most eye doctors require you to have someone bring you home after the procedure. You should feel comfortable enough to drive the day after eye surgery to your first follow-up appointment.
9. Can I get water in my eyes after LASIK eye surgery?
- You should avoid getting water in your eyes for a week. You may take showers or baths after LASIK, but make sure to keep water and shampoo away from your eyes for the first week after eye surgery. Also, you may dab around your eyes, but rubbing your eyes with a towel is not recommended. Swimming after LASIK should be avoided for two weeks, hot tubs for four weeks.
10. Will my vision be perfect the day after my LASIK procedure?
- You will absolutely notice an improvement in your vision immediately after eye surgery, but it can take several weeks or months before your vision is completely stable. LASIK eye surgery is still a more convenient option than contact lenses or reading glasses!
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.