What to Do after Custom LASIK Surgery?

• Laser vision correction surgery description
• List of post-surgery lifestyle considerations
• Surgical Eyes Foundation: reports for post surgery problems and LASIK eye surgery centers
• Stats on LASIK experiences and those that experience post surgery problems

If you have made your decision to have custom LASIK surgery, then you will already have done your homework by reading and talking to your surgeon on the procedure and what it does. Custom Wavefront Guided LASIK is only one way your LASIK Surgeon can correct higher order aberration-another way is with Wavefront Optimized Laser Eye Surgery. Spherical aberration is one of the most common aberrations that we find in the eye as well as optical systems such as cameras, telescopes and microscopes. For that reason, optical device manufacturers and certain laser manufacturers include a specialized correction for the spherical aberration in their systems in order to treat these aberrations. The laser vision correction surgery is called: Wavefront Optimized LASIK is useful for correcting spherical aberration which comprises what the majority of patients have, if they have higher order aberrations at all. For the vast majority of patients, Custom Wavefront Optimized LASIK will produce excellent results. For more complex prescriptions, a true Custom Wavefront Guided LASIK will be the procedure of choice. This is called custom LASIK surgery. Post surgery is usually an easy process but you must be cautious in making some lifestyle decisions. Always confer with your surgeon and the specialists at your LASIK eye surgery centers on the best post-surgery habits.

Here is some information about what to do after custom LASIK surgery:

1} Healing time

There is an initial healing period of two to three months.

2} Reading glasses

Generally, patients under 40 years of age read well without glasses following the treatment. Patients over 40 may need magnification for reading fine print. Presbyopia is the term that refers to the natural weakening of the focusing muscles that occurs in our early to mid 40s, causing us to need the magnification that reading glasses provide. The LASIK treatment does not correct or prevent presbyopia. We also will be glad to discuss another option called monovision.

3} Follow up doctor visits

Most patients are usually seen the day following the treatment and then at least 1 month and 3 months following the treatment. Some patients require more visits. Remember, we are available 24 hours a day when you have any questions, concerns or need attention. Some will need to go to their eye specialists while others may visit the LASIK eye surgery centers.

4} Bathing and showers

Confer with your LASIK Surgeon as to the specific, however typically you can bathe the same day as the treatment but you should not shower for 2 days after the treatment. As always, avoid getting soap or water directly into your eyes. Avoid rubbing your eyes during the first month after surgery.

5} Driving

You shouldn’t drive the day of the treatment. After that you may drive when you feel confident that your visual acuity and eye comfort allow you to drive safely.

6} Makeup

You may resume wearing eye makeup starting 1-2 weeks after your treatment. It is strongly recommended as a post surgery process, that you purchase new eye makeup, specifically mascara, to avoid potential eye infections.

7} Exercise

Non-contact sports can start as soon as you feel capable. Eye protection is always recommended for racquet or rough sports where there is a risk of being hit in the eye.

8} Swimming

It is advised to stay out of swimming pools for one week after your treatment. Stay out of rivers, lakes and oceans for two weeks after your treatment.

9} Post surgery eye shields

Clear, protective eye shields will be placed over your treaded eye(s) following the laser vision correction surgery, and will be removed at the place of treatment the next morning. You will continue to wear these eye shields at bedtime for 1 week for protection. Custom LASIK surgery is devoted to your specific needs and therefore the time using the shields will be focused on your requirements.

10} Return to work

Most patients are back to work full-time the day after treatment. An additional day or two is rarely required before returning to work. If you can, it is recommend that you take it easy for a couple of days.

11} Glasses or contact lenses

The goal of refractive surgery is to reduce your dependence on glasses and/or contact lenses. Some LASIK patients still may benefit from reading glasses or distance glasses when they desire perfect near or distant vision. A small percentage of patients wear prescription glasses for night driving.

There have been problems reported in LASIK surgery and also growing fast are complaints. Do additional homework by checking out the website for the Surgical Eyes Foundation, a York-based group for people who have had problems with refractive surgery, are about Lasik, said founder Ron Link. It’s best to do your homework and talk to others about their LASIK experiences.

An estimated 3% of patients — 30,000 people and 60,000 eyes in 2001 — will have lasting complications such as double vision and halos, or starbursts, around lights at night. Some will have dry eyes or won’t be able to read easily. LASIK experiences vary, do a bit of research to make sure you feel comfortable with your choice.

The information supplied in this article is not to be considered as medical advice and is for educational purposes only.