The healing process after LASIK surgery is different for each patient. Recovery time will vary depending on the severity of your eye prescription and any preexisting conditions. Generally speaking, the most common post-surgery timelines are about two weeks for mild LASIK, four weeks for moderate LASIK, and six weeks for high LASIK. If you require additional time to recover from your procedure, don’t panic! Even after your eyesight returns to normal, you can expect some lingering effects – like dryness, mild sensitivity, and blurry vision in certain situations – that will fade away over time. Keep reading to learn more about the healing process after LASIK surgery

What happens during LASIK healing?

LASIK surgery is a type of refractive eye surgery that corrects nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism by reshaping the cornea with laser energy. Since the cornea is the most important refractive surface in the eye, altering it with LASIK can effectively improve your vision.If you undergo LASIK, the procedure is performed by a doctor who makes two tiny incisions near the front of your eye. An anaesthesia will be applied to your eye area to reduce any pain or discomfort. The LASIK surgeon then uses a special laser to create a flap in the central portion of your cornea. The flap is created by vaporizing a portion of the cornea using a pulse of laser energy. The flap will be hinged at the top, and then lifted from the underlying tissue to expose a ring of clear cornea. Once the initial flap is created, the LASIK surgeon will then use another laser to create a new, custom corneal surface that reshapes the eye’s light path to correct your vision.After the surgery, you will be asked to avoid strenuous activities for about a week. Typically, you should only drive for a few hours after your LASIK surgery, and then resume normal activities within two weeks.

What are common symptoms after LASIK surgery?

While the majority of LASIK patients experience few side effects after the procedure, there are some symptoms to look out for. It is important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by the underlying condition that was corrected by LASIK.If you experience any of the following LASIK side effects, please contact your eye doctor immediately as it could be a sign of a serious problem. ****** Blurry or fluctuating vision: If you experience blurry or fluctuating vision, it could be a sign of dry eye syndrome. If you experience dryness, it is important to take proper measures to protect your eyes from further damage. ****** Double vision: Some patients may experience double vision after LASIK surgery, especially if they have had previous eye surgeries. If this occurs, make sure to let your doctor know as they need to know about it immediately. ****** Eye pain: If you experience eye pain after LASIK surgery, it could be a sign of a serious infection. If this happens, you should see an ophthalmologist immediately.

What are the long-term effects from LASIK surgery?

Due to the fact that LASIK reshapes your cornea, it may result in the formation of scars in your eye. These scars cause LASIK patients to experience a decrease in their visual quality and visual field, especially in the long-term.In some cases, LASIK patients may experience dry eye symptoms and/or irregular blinking patterns in the long-term. As for people who have had LASIK for the first time, the visual recovery period can last up to six months.

When should you see a doctor after LASIK surgery?

Even if you experience few side effects after undergoing LASIK surgery, you should see an eye doctor for a follow-up appointment 2 weeks after your procedure. Additionally, you should make sure to see an eye doctor for a comprehensive eye exam after 3 months if you had LASIK surgery.If you’ve had LASIK surgery on your left eye, you should see an eye doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms: ****** Burning sensation: If you experience a burning sensation in your eye, you should seek medical assistance immediately. ****** Eye redness and irritation: If you experience eye redness and irritation, it could be a sign of a dry eye syndrome.