Before and After Lasik Eye Surgery: Care, Images & Precautions

The full form of LASIK is Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis. It is popularly referred to as laser eye surgery. For an eye to function properly, it is important for light rays to travel through the cornea and lens of the eyes. The retina changes the light into signals which become images after reaching the brain. However, in some cases, because of refractive issues, the light does not bend properly due to the shape of the cornea or lens.

Consequently, the light does not focus on the retina as required, and the vision becomes blurred. LASIK surgical treatment is used to treat various vision problems, including Myopia(nearsightedness), Hyperopia (farsightedness) and Astigmatism.

LASIK eye surgery is the most popular technique that uses a special cutting laser to reshape the cornea for clear vision. The procedure is precise and has fast healing and long-term advantages.

Before the surgery there are certain things to take care of both at the doctor's and the patient’s end. Doctor will carry out the following steps which include:

1. Studying the patient’s medical history to confirm if LASIK surgery is the ideal form of treatment.
2. Checking the signs related to eye infection, inflammation, dryness in eyes, size of the pupil and eye pressure.
3. Analyzing the cornea for its shape, curve and irregularities to decide which area of the cornea requires reshaping.
4. The doctor may advise to completely stop wearing contact lenses for a few weeks before the surgery. This would depend on the condition of the eyes and the quality of the lens.

Things to keep in mind by the patient before the surgery:

1. It is advised to drink ample water before the procedure to stay well hydrated and to keep the eyes lubricated. This is important as one of the side effects of LASIK treatment is temporary dryness in the eyes.
2. Wearing a comfortable outfit is recommended. The clothes must be free from any kind of lint.
3. Ensuring the patient is accompanied by someone to drive him/her back home after LASIK surgery. 
4. One must refrain from using any kind of eye makeup or moisturiser on the day of surgery.

LASIK is an outpatient surgical procedure. The procedure begins by administering eye drops to numb the eyes. An eye holder and a suction ring are placed to keep the eyes still. The vision seems to go blurry or black at this moment.

Laser rays are then used to make a thin flap in the cornea, which is folded, and the process of reshaping the cornea begins. The flap is placed back smoothly, which attaches and heals naturally within a few minutes. The entire process may take about thirty minutes in normal cases.

The recovery after LASIK eye surgery is quicker in the majority of cases. However, it is highly recommended to follow the instructions provided by the doctor. 

After LASIK surgery in a hospital or surgical center, you can expect to follow these general recovery steps:

1. Rest: After the surgery, you will need to rest for a period of time before you can go home.
2. Eye protection: Your doctor may advise you to wear an eye patch or protective shield to prevent accidental rubbing or touching of the eyes.
3. Medications: Your doctor may prescribe eye drops or other medications to help prevent infection and reduce inflammation.
4. Restrictions on activities: You will need to avoid certain activities, such as swimming, contact sports, and heavy lifting, for a period of time after the surgery. 

During the recovery period, it is important to avoid rubbing your eyes and to protect them from bright light and other potential irritants. If you experience any unusual symptoms, such as severe pain or vision loss, be sure to contact your doctor right away.

Recovery at home:

Recovery time after LASIK surgery is usually relatively short, with most patients able to return to work and normal activities within a few days. However, it is important to follow your doctor's instructions carefully during the recovery period to ensure the best possible outcome.

Here’s what you can expect after the laser surgery at home:

1. You will need to rest for a period of time after the surgery. You may experience some discomfort and blurry vision, so it's a good idea to plan for some downtime at home.
2. You should protect your eyes from bright light, dust, and other potential irritants. Your doctor may advise you to wear an eye patch or protective shield for a period of time to protect your eyes from accidental rubbing or touching.
3. Your doctor may prescribe eye drops or other medications to help prevent infection and reduce inflammation. 
4. You will need to avoid certain activities, such as swimming, contact sports, and heavy lifting, for a period of time after the surgery. 

If you experience any unusual symptoms, such as severe pain or vision loss, be sure to contact your doctor right away. By following these steps, you can help ensure a smooth and successful recovery from LASIK surgery.

While LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) is a safe and effective procedure for many people, like any surgical procedure, it does carry some potential risks and side effects. Here are some of the most common side effects of LASIK:

1. LASIK surgery can lead to a reduction in tear production for the first few months after the surgery and can give rise to dry eyes. It is advisable to use prescribed teardrops.
2. Night vision may be impacted for a few days or weeks after LASIK eye surgery and may lead to double vision or a halo effect around bright light.
3. Removing uneven tissues during the surgery can result in severe complications requiring further surgeries, though this is an uncommon side effect.

It is advised to take a nap after LASIK eye surgery as this relieves the pain and speeds up recovery.

1. It is very important to follow the correct and timely medication as per the doctor’s prescription. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotic drops to avoid infection, steroid drops to decrease inflammation, and lubricating drops to fight irritation. Each must be administered carefully.
2. It is highly advisable not to rub your eyes for at least fifteen days after LASIK surgery. Since the flap of the cornea is repositioned during the surgery, rubbing may depose it, thus, leading to some serious complications.
3. Wearing eye shields for the first few days, even while sleeping, is advised. This is important to avoid accidental rubbing of the eyes in sleep.
4. For faster recovery and to avoid scarring of the eyes in bright light, dark sunglasses are prescribed for at least a week post-surgery.
5. Eye makeup or creams are prohibited for at least a week from the surgery to avoid the intrusion of any foreign particles in the eyes.
6. Showering should be avoided before and after LASIK surgery, as water, soap, or other cosmetics should not enter the eyes. Instead, gently patting the face with water (for a few days) is recommended.
7. Any kind of contact sports or strenuous exercises are prohibited for a month before and after LASIK surgery. Instead, light exercises can be practised for healthy living. Wearing a headband and glasses after the surgery prevents sweat or other particles from entering the eyes.
8. Consumption of alcohol or caffeinated products must be avoided before and after LASIK eye surgery as these can dehydrate the eyes and increase discomfort.
9. Staying away from television, mobile and other electronic screens is important till at least 24 hours after the surgery. Thereafter, the use of screens can be gradually increased as per the comfort of the eyes.
10. Your doctor may prescribe eye drops to help prevent infection and reduce inflammation. It's important to use these drops as directed and to finish the full course of treatment.
11. Attend follow-up appointments with your doctor to monitor your progress and ensure that you are healing properly. Your doctor may recommend that you attend these appointments several times during the first few months after the surgery.

With technological advancement, it is possible to correct the vision of the eyes using laser surgeries like LASIK. While this technique has a high success rate with long-term effects, it is imperative to follow the instructions of the doctor and take precautions before and after LASIK eye surgery. It is also important to immediately contact the doctor in case of any discomfort beyond the stated time after the surgery.

HexaHealth can help you contact experienced doctors for LASIK eye surgical treatment. The company is armed with a polished and proficient team of medical professionals, available to assist and guide you through every step of the way. So, if you’re facing issues with the eye, or are looking for guidance on LASIK eye surgery, get in touch with a HexaHealth expert today!