What Happens After the Lasik Procedure?

After you are fully prepared, the Lasik procedure takes less than fifteen
minutes to complete for both eyes.  This will seem a remarkably short time
to have a permanent change to your vision, and in this regard Lasik seems
almost too good to be true.  In addition, most Lasik patients notice
improved vision immediately or within a few hours after the Lasik procedure
has been performed.

This does not mean that you should expect to walk out of the Lasik clinic
with perfect vision and without any need to treat your eyes carefully for
the next several days.  It also means that some Lasik patients will need
more time to see the total results for the Lasik procedure, sometimes as
much as six months for their vision to stabilize permanently. 
Anticipate good vision, and take the time and care for the operation to
produce its best result.

Usually the Lasik physician will give the post-procedure patient
a protective shield for their eyes. This should be worn as long as the
physician specifies, and usually only at night for one or two nights. 
He may also recommend sunglasses during the day if you experience sensitivity
to light after the Lasik procedure is done. Discuss these options in detail
at the Lasik center before the operation, so you know how to best take care
of your eyes.

Many patients at the Lasik centers often get eye drops to keep their eyes
moist for some time after the Lasik procedure is done. Again, this varies
by patient and by physician, so ask about your particular situation,
especially if you are prone to eye dryness on an occasional basis even
before the Lasik procedure.  Also, it might be helpful to keep any ceiling
fans or other air circulation devices off in the household for the first
few days.

Most clients can return to work and normal daily activities the day after
the Lasik procedure is done, and do not require any extra assistance from
other friends or family members.
There is usually little to no post-operative discomfort after Lasik has
been performed.  It is recommended that patients go to sleep as quickly as
possible after the Lasik surgery in order to minimize any post-operative
discomfort.  Upon waking, improved vision from the Lasik corrections should
already start to be visible.

This improved vision may not be the final product of the Lasik procedure.
The improvement to nearsightedness after Lasik is usually quick and
dramatic, though there may be some problems in reading easily for the first
few days after the Lasik operation.  This is perfectly normal, and should
clear up before the week is out.

Patients that use Lasik to improve their farsightedness usually find
a dramatic improvement the day after the Lasik surgery. It might be that
there is a temporary blurring of objects in the distance, but this will
resolve itself.  If this condition remains for more than a few days, the
Lasik physician can recommend and prescribe temporary glasses until vision
is stabilized.

These are all typical post-operative recommends for a Lasik patient, in
order to feel comfortable with what to expect after the Lasik procedure. 
As with any medical treatment, get all of your questions answered by the
staff of your Lasik center for your individual case.