Laser Eye Surgery: What to Expect After the Procedure

Over 150 million Americans suffer from vision problems caused by refractive errors. When the shape of your eye has imperfections, the light won’t focus properly on your retina, resulting in a refractive error. Regularly visiting your optometrist for an eye examination is essential for early detection and effective treatment of this eye problem. 

While eyeglasses and contact lenses are common vision correction methods, laser eye surgery is a popular alternative for people looking for a more permanent solution. It is an outpatient procedure that usually involves a quick recovery and has a high success rate. Keep reading to find out what to expect after undergoing laser eye surgery.

What Is Laser Eye Surgery?

It will only take your eye doctor around 10 to 30 minutes to perform laser eye surgery. Once the procedure is complete, most patients can resume normal daily activity within a day or two.

During the procedure, your surgeon will use a specialized laser to create a small flap in your cornea’s outer layer. This will allow them to access the tissue beneath using a second laser. To correct refractive errors, it is necessary to change the shape of your cornea. The flap your surgeon created will naturally heal within a few days without stitches or extra medical intervention. 

You won’t experience any pain during the procedure because you will be given a topical anesthetic to numb your eyes. There may be some pressure when your surgeon applies the vacuum ring before your vision momentarily fades. A few hours post-surgery, you may feel like there’s something in your eye, but this sensation will gradually subside. 

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), 95% of patients who undergo the procedure done are satisfied with the result. Although side effects are possible, they are rare. Fortunately, you can lower the side effects of laser eye surgery with proper post-op care and with the help of your eye doctor. Following the post-operate care plan, your eye specialist created for you can help speed up your healing time, minimize possible complications and improve the overall outcome of the procedure. 

Your eye doctor will consider various factors when developing your post-laser eye surgery care plan. For most patients, this involves a few visits to your surgeon for an eye exam and some simple guidelines to follow. This plan will help you take care of your eyes following the surgery so you can achieve the results you want. 

Things to Expect After the Surgery

The First Few Hours After Laser Eye Surgery

If you are undergoing laser eye surgery, plan to take a few days off work. This will give you time to recover from any discomfort The first few hours after the procedure, you may experience visual disturbances, such as glares and halos around lights. 

Your vision would likely be foggy the first time you open them post-surgery. Burning sensations and itching are completely normal once the effect of local anesthesia wears off. You may also experience blurry vision following the procedure, but your vision should improve the following day. 

In the first few hours post-surgery, it’s best to keep your eyes closed and stay away from bright lights. Even if your eyes feel itchy or uncomfortable, make sure not to rub or bump them for a few days after your surgery to keep the flap from shifting and to minimize the risk of infection. Your surgeon may prescribe medication to help with the pain and eye drops to ensure your eyes stays lubricated and avoid infection.

The First Day After Your Procedure

During the first 24 hours after your procedure, you should do your best to avoid straining your eyes. Steer clear of digital devices like televisions, laptops, tablets and smartphones. Patients are usually given a protective eye shield to wear at night to prevent rubbing and bumping their eyes. 

While it’s okay to shower a day after your surgery, be careful not to let soap or other products in your eyes. Once your vision clears, driving should be safe. Be sure to go to your follow-up appointments with your eye doctor so they can monitor your recovery.

A Week or Two Into Recovery

You should avoid contact sports for at least a month after your laser eye surgery. However, exercising is fine a week following the procedure. When going out, wear sunglasses to keep your eyes protected from UV rays. For at least one to two weeks, avoid applying cream, makeup, and other products to reduce the risk of infection. Experts also strongly discourage swimming of any kind during the first two weeks after surgery. 

One Month Post-Surgery

People who undergo laser eye surgery can usually go back to performing strenuous activities, such as sports, within a month. Wearing sports goggles for a while is advisable to let your eyes fully recover. To determine the ideal protective eyewear for your activity, consult your eye doctor or optician. 

About Three to Six Months Following the Procedure

Around three to six months after your surgery, your eyes will continue healing, and your vision can still improve. Individuals with more significant refractive errors may have a longer recovery period because their surgeries are typically more invasive compared to milder conditions. You should keep up with your follow-up appointments and adhere to the recovery plan that your surgical care team created. 

Tips to Help With Your Recovery

Stay Away from Harsh Lighting 

Expect your eyes to be a bit more sensitive to light during the first few days after your surgery. If you are indoors, stay away from bright, intense light. When heading out on a sunny day, be sure to wear a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses. 

Refrain from Activities that Can Cause Eye Strain

During the first 24 hours following laser eye surgery, rest your eyes as much as possible. Avoid doing anything that can strain your eyes. Some of these activities include using your cellphone or tablet, playing video games, watching TV and reading materials with small texts like magazines and books. 

Always Have Some Liquid Tears With You

One thing you should carry around after your surgery is liquid tears. Use them frequently to lubricate your eyes because dry eye syndrome is a common occurrence post-surgery. You may experience dry eye syndrome for a few weeks or months after the procedure. 

Keep Attending Your Follow-Up Appointments

Routine eye checks will allow your surgeon to check your progress and find complications from the procedure. By diligently attending your follow-up appointments, your eye doctor will be able to spot and treat problems related to your surgery. 

Don’t Go to Places Where There’s a lot of Dust and Smoke

In the first few weeks and months following your surgery, avoid going to smoke, dusty or dry places. Smoke and dust can irritate your eyes and can even cause dryness, resulting in discomfort.