Life After LASIK: What to Expect in the First Year

LASIK eye surgery offers a great chance to live without glasses or contact lenses. While the procedure itself is quick, and recovery is fast, it is important to know what to expect. Understanding what to expect during the first year can help you get the best possible outcome.

Immediately After Surgery

In the first few hours after surgery, your vision may be blurry. You may experience some mild discomfort, such as a gritty or burning sensation in your eyes. These symptoms are temporary and should go away within a few hours. You should rest your eyes and avoid strenuous activities during this time. Your doctor may also suggest wearing a shield to protect your eyes while you sleep.

The First Week

By the end of the first week, many patients see huge improvements in their vision. However, some may still have light sensitivity, dryness, or vision that comes and goes. It is very important to follow all instructions from your doctor. You should use your eye drops to help reduce swelling and promote healing. You should also avoid rubbing your eyes or exposing them to dirt and dust.

One Month Post-Surgery

At this stage, most people will have 20/25 vision or better. This is considered excellent vision for daily activities. While your vision will keep stabilizing, some people may still have mild dryness or glare at night. Driving at night may feel a little more difficult because of halos or starbursts around lights. This is normal and should gradually go away over the next few months.

Three to Six Months

Your vision should continue to improve and stabilize during this time. Most patients find that any remaining dryness or glare has gone away. You might also notice that your eyes feel more comfortable. Your vision will also seem sharper and clearer. It is still a good idea to have regular check-ups with your eye doctor.

One Year After LASIK

Most patients enjoy clear, stable vision a year after surgery. Your eyes should feel more natural, and your vision will be noticeably improved. However, some people may experience minor changes, such as difficulty seeing at night or needing reading glasses. These changes are usually related to your natural aging process. They are not necessarily connected to the LASIK procedure itself. LASIK corrects existing issues, but it can’t prevent age-related changes.

Potential Long-Term Considerations

While LASIK is designed to give you lasting results, some people may experience changes over time. Your age, overall eye health, and lifestyle can influence long-term results. For example, dry eye syndrome may continue or start to develop. In addition, some patients may see their vision slowly go back to its original prescription. It is very important to have regular eye exams to monitor your vision.

Tips for Maintaining Your Vision

To preserve the amazing benefits of LASIK surgery, you can follow these simple tips:

• Protect Your Eyes: Always wear sunglasses to shield your eyes from UV rays. You should also use protective eyewear in harsh environments.
• Stay Hydrated: Staying hydrated helps your body make tears and prevents dry eyes.
• Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes: This can irritate your eyes and possibly disrupt the healing process.
• Use Prescribed Eye Drops: These can help to relieve dryness and discomfort, and help you heal.
• Follow Up Regularly: Keep your scheduled appointments. Your doctor needs to monitor your vision and address any concerns.

When to Contact Your Eye Doctor

If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should contact your eye doctor right away:

• Persistent pain or discomfort
• Sudden changes in vision
• Halos or glare that interfere with daily activities
• Decreased vision quality

While your LASIK results are generally stable, regular follow-up visits will help make sure your vision stays at its best. Always consult with a certified provider if you have any questions about your LASIK experience.

For more on LASIK, visit Advanced Family Eye Care at our Broken Arrow or Wagoner, Oklahoma, office. To schedule an appointment, call (918) 279-8830 or (918) 485-2123 today.