Show Your RecoveryLaser in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is surgery to improve your vision. The doctor used surgical tools to keep your eye open and to apply pressure to the outside layer of your eyeball (cornea). The doctor used a special blade or laser to cut a flap in your cornea. Another laser was used to remove or reshape your eye tissue. Then the doctor put the flap back, added drops to your eye, and placed a clear, protective shield over your eye. Your eye may burn, itch, be teary, or feel like there is something in it for 3 or 4 days after surgery. But it's important not to rub your eye. Rubbing your eye could damage it. You will probably be able to return to work or your normal routine 1 to 3 days after surgery. For a few days, you may have blurry vision or watery eyes. Your eyes may be bloodshot for up to 3 weeks. This is because LASIK surgery can cause small blood vessels in your eye to break. Some people also find that they are sensitive to light or see starbursts or halos for 1 to 3 weeks after surgery. If you have eye pain, your doctor may prescribe drops or medicines. You can expect your eye to get better each day, but it may feel dry for 1 to 3 months after surgery. Over-the-counter or prescription eyedrops can help with dryness. For some people, it takes 3 to 6 months to get the full benefits of surgery and to see as clearly as possible. This care sheet gives you a general idea about how long it will take for you to recover. But each person recovers at a different pace. Follow the steps below to get better as quickly as possible. How can you care for yourself at home?Activity
Medicines
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take. When should you call for help?Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
Call your doctor or nurse advice line now or seek immediate medical care if:
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse advice line if:
Where can you learn more?Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd Enter B898 in the search box to learn more about "LASIK: What to Expect at Home". When do eyes stop hurting after LASIK?How long do eyes hurt after LASIK? The eyes are usually uncomfortable for one to two days after LASIK surgery, but some patients will experience eye pain for as long as one month. On notably rare occasions, a patient might experience pain or burning of the eyes for as long as a year post-op.
Is discomfort after LASIK normal?Severe pain after LASIK surgery is extremely rare and should not be expected in general. However, some minor discomfort and soreness are to be expected. This discomfort could take the form of itchiness or even burning; more commonly, patients feel a sensation similar to the presence of a foreign object in the eye.
How long after LASIK does it feel like something is in your eye?It is normal and expected for patients to experience a sensation of grittiness or a sandy feeling in the eye following the procedure. This sensation usually tends to resolve itself over the first 1-3 months.
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