LASIK Surgery

During the early post-operative period, the LASIK patient is examined the next day and potentially every 24-48 hours until the corneal surface heals. Depending on the amount of blurriness and light sensitivity, the patient may need a driver during this early postoperative period. Although the patient usually feels no discomfort during the actual LASIK procedure, there may be very mild discomfort for the first few days after surgery. This may require the use of pain reducing medications and artificial tear drops. Most patients, however are extremely comfortable during the entire postoperative course.

A major concern in the early postoperative period following LASIK is dislodging the flap or cap. It is generally believed that this is most likely to occur in the first 1-2 weeks after surgery and can be caused by vigorous eye rubbing, fingernails, or other injuries to the surface of the eye. Patients will be asked to avoid rubbing their eyes and to wear protective eye shields when they go to sleep for the first few days after surgery.

The postoperative medication regimen is reviewed with the patient both before and after surgery and also with the patients driver prior to discharge on the day of surgery. The patient is evaluated one day after surgery, then at one week and one month. Additional visits may be scheduled as necessary.

In order to minimize the risk of infection and postoperative discomfort, as well as maximize the visual result of the LASIK procedure, it is important for the patient to comply faithfully with medication dosages and schedules. Medications are usually necessary for only a few weeks after LASIK, although in uncommon cases they may be required for up to several months. Additional postoperative visits occur with progressively greater intervals depending upon the patient's clinical course.