After the Procedure:

Immediately following the surgery, there may be a sense of burning, itching, or a feeling that something is in the eye. There may be mild discomfort for which the doctor may prescribe a mild pain reliever medication. It is very important NOT to rub the eye after LASIK, so that the flap does not dislodge or move.

The day of surgery, vision generally is blurry or hazy but by the next day the blurriness improves. The doctor should be called immediately if there is severe pain or any of the symptoms worsen BEFORE your scheduled follow-up appointment (24-48 hours after surgery).

At the first doctor visit after the surgery, the eye shield will be removed and the doctor will examine your eye and test your vision. You may receive eye drops to help prevent infection. Do not drive until your vision has improved enough to safely do so.

Other things to avoid include swimming, hot tubs, whirlpools, contact sports, lotions, cremes, and eye make-up for between 2-4 weeks after surgery. The doctor will give you specific instructions.

Outlook (Prognosis):

It may take up to 3-6 months for your vision to stabilize after surgery.

Some people need an additional surgery to get the best possible results. However, a second surgery may improve distant vision, it may not relieve other visual symptoms such as glare, haloes, or difficulty with night driving. These are commonly reported complaints after LASIK surgery. Often, these problems will go away after 6 months, but a small number of people continue to have problems with glare.

If your distance vision has been corrected with LASIK, it is likely that you may still need reading glasses around age 45.