Beware of Glare: LASIK Side Effects and How to Deal with Them

Whether helping patients in White Plains or in Manhattan, we at Maple Eye and Laser Center believe in providing the best possible vision care. This commitment to patient wellness is why so many people come to our team to undergo LASIK eye surgery and other advanced laser vision correction procedures.

We provide detailed pre-op and post-op instructions to all of our patients. Our team wants to focus on the latter for the moment, providing seven helpful tips for the LASIK recovery process.

Side Effects of LASIK Surgery

Side effects after LASIK surgery are a common thing and simply a sign that your body is responding to surgery and properly recovering. Common side effects after LASIK include the following:

• Light sensitivity
• Problems with night vision
• Soreness and discomfort of the eyes
• Dry eye syndrome

The recovery tips below will help address the various side effects above.

Tip #1 - Avoid Activities That Cause Eye Strain Early On

In the first 24 hours after surgery, focus on healing and resting. Don't do anything that would potentially cause strain to your eyes so you can heal faster and more efficiently.

In other words, DO NOT do the following in the hours after your LASIK surgery:

• Use the computer
• Watch TV or a movie
• Use your tablet or smart phone
• Play video games
• Read the news, a magazine, or a book

Tip #2 - Wear Sunglasses and Hats When Outdoors

Your eyes will be very sensitive to bright lights for the first couple of days after surgery. Be sure to wear sunglasses and a hat with a brim when you are outdoors. It's also a good idea to avoid harsh lights while indoors as well.

Tip #3 - Keep Liquid Tears On You at All Times

Dry eye attacks can come about at various times in the first weeks and months after LASIK surgery has been performed. It's a good idea to carry liquid tears on you at all times so that any attacks of dry eye can be treated as soon as they occur.

Tip #4 - Avoid Smoky, Dusty, and Dry Places

On the note of dry eye, the environment you're in can play a major role in causing an attack. Be sure to avoid smoky, dusty, or dry environments when you can since these sorts of conditions and locations make dry eye syndrome and eye irritation more likely.

Tip #5 - Be Cautious When Driving at Night

Night vision and problems with low-light situations are common in the first weeks after LASIK surgery, improving with time as the patient heals. Until night vision improves, patients should use public transit to get around at night or get rides from friends and loved ones. Better to be safe than sorry.

Tip #6 - Attend All Follow-Up Visits

You will have a number of follow-up visits with your LASIK surgeon as you heal from LASIK to help monitor your progress and discuss any concerns that you may have. Be sure to attend them all as scheduled so your recovery is noted and supervised by a skilled medical professional.

Tip # 7 - Keep in Contact with Your LASIK Center as You Heal

Questions and concerns can come up at any time as you heal. If you have a pressing issue, contact your LASIK surgeon and ask about it. Getting these concerns addressed as soon as they arise means preventing any potential problems and providing you with peace of mind.

Schedule a Consultation at Maple Eye and Laser Center

For more information about LASIK and how it may be an ideal option for you and your needs, we encourage you to contact our laser vision correction center today. The team at Maple Eye and Laser Center looks forward to your visit and helping you have exceptional vision and eye health.