After LASIK
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Free LASIK Consultation Are You a Candidate? Pre-LASIK Eye Exam Preparation for LASIK |
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LASIK Procedure After LASIK Enhancements Alternatives to LASIK |
Recovery is a vital component of your LASIK
procedure. Your eyes will be examined following your eye surgery to ensure that
the flap is positioned correctly and all is as it should be. Before leaving, you will be given anti-inflammatory and
antibiotic medications to facilitate proper healing, plus sedatives to help you sleep.
After Returning Home:
About a half hour after your LASIK procedure, the anesthetic drops used in the laser procedure will begin to wear off and you may experience some mild discomfort. Rarely are medication required for these symptoms, but should you feel a need for relief, you may take Tylenol, Advil or any non-aspirin analgesic. The artificial tears included in your supplies will also provide relief.
It is absolutely vital that you DO NOT RUB YOUR EYES!
The following symptoms are common and normal:
- The sensation of something in your eye, like an eyelash
- Blurry vision
- Watery eyes and nose
- Redness or swelling
- Sensitivity to light
- Eyes feeling dry
- Stinging
Rest At Home:
You will be able to go home shortly after your LASIK procedure to rest. Sleeping will greatly facilitate the healing process of the flap - try for at least four hours. Many of our patients wake up from this first nap with little or no discomfort and notice a significant improvement in their vision. Regardless of how energetic you may feel, please plan to relax for the remainder of the day. You should not drive, including to your next day appointment, until Dr. Cutarelli gives you the go ahead.
By the next morning, you should notice a dramatic improvement in your vision. This "amazing moment" can be very exciting! Take a look around and experience your new world. The quick improvement of vision is impressive and often described as miraculous.
Follow-up care is just as important as the actual LASIK procedure. You will be required to use anti-inflammatory and antibiotic eye drops on a regular basis for a several weeks. Follow the instructions exactly. The area where the flap was create, recovers slowly, so take good care of it. Especially, protect your eyes from being bumped or touched, and keep your hands away from your eyes - never, ever rub them.
What to Do After LASIK:
As soon as your eye surgery is complete, adopt these essential habits:
- Keep your hands away from your eyes, always!
- For at least two hours after your procedure, wear the protective eye shield.
- For the next three-four days, wear the protective eye shield whenever you sleep.
- Keep your eyes well lubricated.
- For the first 48 hours, rest and sleep as often as possible.
- For at least 72 hours, avoid doing any significant exercise.
- Relax your eyes (close them) whenever possible over the next few months.
- Always protect your eyes from dust and abrasion.
- Wear wrap-around, dark sunglasses to shield against bright lights.
- It's okay to take a shower or a tub bath, but avoid getting any water in your eyes for three days after surgery.
- Avoid hot tubs, whirlpools, swimming, alll water sports and activities for two weeks post-operatively. Avoid scuba diving for at least six weeks.
Vital Post-op Exams:
You are required to return to our office 24 hours after your LASIK procedure. This appointment will be given to you immediately before or after your surgery. You will also be given appointments at three weeks, at three months, and then six months following your eye surgery. Each post-operative appointment is very important, even if everything seems fine to you.
- 1 day, 3 weeks, 3 and 6 months following LASIK
- Additional visit at 1 year for PRK
- Regular yearly checkups thereafter
Each post-operative appointment can be very important, even if it seems your vision is perfect. Sometimes complications can start small and be unnoticeable to the patient. At each examination, Dr. Cutarelli will evaluate the healing process of your eyes. There are occasional infections that have no obvious symptoms until they are too advanced, so be sure to keep to your schedule.
You may schedule post-operative care with your eye care professional, if you prefer. Cutarelli Vision is happy to work with other practices to manage your post-op care. Please keep in mind that you must make your follow-up appointments with that office prior to your surgery date, and that you are responsible for any additional fees. Be prepared to furnish Cutarelli Vision with the pertinent information and completed forms necessary for the transfer; we are here to facilitate this process for you.
Next: LASIK Enhancements, if needed.
