More and more people are undergoing laser eye surgery to correct their vision permanently. This article will examine this type of surgery, and the potential sequelae patients may experience. We will also offer some advice to protect your eyes after surgery and know about PRK VS LASIK.
What Is Laser Eye Surgery?
Laser eye surgery is a type of surgery used to correct vision in eye clinic such as discover vision center for example. Typically, this surgery involves reshaping the clear layer that lines the front of the eye, known as the cornea, with an Excimer laser. Several techniques are used to treat common vision defects – myopia, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
LASIK (Laser-Assisted Keratomileusis In Situ) is the most common intervention and can correct myopia and hyperopia. In this operation, surgeons cut corneal tissue and reshaped the exposed surface before replacing the tissue. LASIK surgery corrects vision to the desired effect in 96% of cases [1];
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) has been around longer than LASIK but is now more commonly used to correct low grades. This method reshapes the cornea without cutting any tissue;
LASEK (Laser Assisted Subepithelial Keratectomy) follows a similar procedure to PRK, but the cornea’s surface layer is kept as a flap, which is believed to speed healing and reduce the number of possible complications.
Your Eyes After Surgery
Although you may not feel it, you may experience dry eyes in the months following surgery. To counter this, your doctor may prescribe moisturizing eye drops to help keep your eyes hydrated, as well as eye drops to help prevent infections and inflammation.
It is important to remember that after laser surgery, you should not use any eye drops – or other eye products – that have not been approved by your doctor.
Immediately after surgery, there is a possibility that your vision will be blurred. Other symptoms can include itchy, irritated eyes, excessive tearing, sensitivity to light, and red eyes. However, healing after laser surgery is usually quick, and most patients experience vision improvements just a few days later.
You will usually need to visit your doctor for evaluation 24 or 48 hours after surgery, depending on the instructions you receive from your doctor. You will then have to conduct assessments at regular intervals over the six months following the intervention.
How To Care For Your Eyes After Surgery
There are a number of precautions to take when it comes to protecting your eyes after laser eye surgery, some of which are more obvious than others. Here we have compiled a brief list of do’s and don’ts to help you:
You must
- wear the eye protection you will receive after the operation while sleeping
- Wear eye protection while exercising during the first month after surgery
- Make sure you wear sunglasses on sunny days, as bright sunlight can cause scarring
- Stay away from dirty and dusty environments for the first week after surgery
You should not
- rub your eyes for at least a month after surgery
- Drive until you feel comfortable doing so and have received permission from your doctor
- Wash your hair for at least a week after the surgery and prevent your eyes from coming into contact with products such as soap, hairspray, or shaving foam
- Use any eye makeup for at least a week and get rid of used makeup to avoid potential bacterial infections
- When caring for your eyes after surgery, it’s essential to consider many factors, including pollution, air conditioning, and eye strain caused by artificial light
