Discomfort After LASIK Surgery

Accounts have been varied in terms of patients reporting discomfort after undergoing LASIK surgery. For the most part however, symptoms are consistent and rarely are cases of discomfort after the procedure more than mild irritation.

Types of Discomfort After the LASIK Procedure

By far the most common form of discomfort after LASIK has been successfully performed is dry eyes. This can last anywhere from 24 hours up to about a week. This is easily treatable as the doctor can prescribe some eye solutions that are safe and effective for eliminating dry eyes. Make sure you get a doctor approved type, or you could risk an eye infection. Remember, LASIK surgery involves cutting a flap of your cornea and pulling it back so the laser can sculpt the inner cornea. Your eye has to heal after that, so some irritation is expected.

As much as your eye might itch during those first few days, you must refrain from itching or rubbing your eyes in anyway. The reshaped corneal tissue must remain completely undisturbed in order for the eye to heal properly.

Burning of the Eye After LASIK

Another type of discomfort that may arise after LASIK surgery is a mild burning sensation. This is normal if it occurs in the first 12 hours after the procedure. You may also feel as though there is “something in your eye”, for a period of time. This can make it really difficult to avoid rubbing your eyes.

Blurry Vision After LASIK

Another common discomfort after LASIK is blurry or hazy vision. This is normal and to be expected. The reason this happens is due to the excess water that builds up in your cornea during the procedure. This initial “underwater” vision should clear up about 5 hours after receiving LASIK surgery. You may also experience shifts in the quality of your vision. For example, in the weeks following the operation, you may go from clear vision to blurry several times before it finally evens out. Do not panic. This fluctuation is normal, and is only a minor nuisance.

Light Sensitivity After LASIK

More post LASIK annoying symptoms that may develop include an acute sensitivity to light. Yours eyes may feel very irritated when you step into sunlight, or are exposed to florescent lighting. You may also experience excessive glares or the appearance of “haloes” (also known as starbursts) when looking at lights. Generally, this should dissipate over time, but there have been cases where the effects don’t go away on their own and a 2nd LASIK treatment is needed to correct it.

After LASIK Surgery Conclusions

The side effects listed above are the most common forms of post LASIK discomfort. But if you continue to experience any of these symptoms for longer periods that mentioned above, you definitely need to get in touch with your doctor immediately. When LASIK goes wrong, quick treatment is essential to avoid lasting defects. Fill out our contact form to get a free medical evaluation today.