Recovering After Laser Eye Surgery: What To Expect

An Optometrist's Role In Laser Eye Surgery Recovery

Before you can be referred to an ophthalmologist for LASIK eye surgery, your optometrist will perform a preliminary screening to make sure you are a viable candidate. But the optometrist’s involvement doesn’t end there. Your optometrist will work with you leading up to your surgery and for months afterward. This optometry care will give you the best chance for a successful surgical outcome and recovery. Here is what you can expect leading up to and after your laser eye surgery.

Recovery Plan
Your optometrist will design a customized plan specific to your eyes, your lifestyle, and your goals for LASIK surgery. Before laser eye surgery, your optometrist will work with you to create a recovery plan that includes how much time off from work you may need to book, what sports or activities you will be prevented from participating in and for how long, ways to prepare your home for a fast and comfortable recovery, and more. Your optometrist will also likely suggest you buy a pair of good coverage, UV blocking sunglasses as wearing these both outdoors and indoors can aid in recovery. Your optometrist will consult with you to adapt and amend your recovery strategy as needed.

Post-Surgery Assessment
Within the first 24 to 48 hours after your laser eye surgery, you will need to visit your optometrist. They will check the results of your surgery, including your vision and your healing, and will determine if any alterations need to be made in your recovery plan. Your optometrist may send you home with eye drops to aid in healing and reduce discomfort.

Follow-Up Appointments
Full recovery from laser eye surgery often takes about 6 months. During this time, you will need to have regular check-ups with your optometrist. These follow ups are important for recovery, as they will ensure your eye is healing properly without the risk of infection or permanent vision impairment. Your vision after surgery may be already significantly better, but it is also possible that your vision will be blurred or that you experience dry eye symptoms. These conditions will be examined and discussed during your follow-up appointments and you may receive some medications or soothing eye drops to help relieve symptoms. Your cornea should be healed within several months, at which point these follow-up appointments can cease, although you should still visit your optometrist once a year for an annual eye exam.

Speak To A Calgary Optometrist About Laser Eye Surgery

Are you interested in receiving laser eye surgery? Speak to a Calgary optometrist from Sunridge Eye Clinic and get started on your journey to better vision. At Sunridge Eye Clinic in Calgary, our experienced optometrists can help you prepare for your LASIK eye surgery and work with you to ensure your recovery is as simple and comfortable as possible. We will help you on your LASIK journey from the initial assessment and referral to the 6-month follow-ups and continued annual eye exams after surgery. At Sunridge Eye Clinic, our goal is to provide you with the highest standard of care and the most advanced eye health solutions in Calgary. To schedule an eye exam or to speak to a Calgary optometrist about LASIK eye surgery referrals, call 1-403-280-7518 or fill out the contact form.

FAQ

Q: Does laser eye surgery hurt?
A: No, it does not. You will be provided with numbing agents to ensure you do not feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure. Most patients feel slight pressure when the cornea flap is removed, but do not report any feelings of pain. 

Q: How long does LASIK surgery take?
A: The whole procedure takes 30 minutes or less for both eyes together.

Q: What eye conditions does LASIK surgery correct?
A: LASIK eye surgery can correct:

• Nearsightedness
• Farsightedness
• Astigmatism
• Presbyopia