As with other surgeries, recovery is a key component of the LASIK process. It is up to you to be an enthusiastic participant in managing your own recovery.
Before you leave to go home, your eyes will be examined again (usually 15 minutes to 1 hour following the procedure) to ensure that the flap positioned correctly. Along with your anti-inflammatory and antibiotic medications, you will be given sedatives to help you sleep.
After about 30 minutes, the anesthetic drops used in the laser procedure will begin to wear off and you may experience some minor discomfort. It is usually unnecessary to take medication for these symptoms, but should you need it, Tylenol, Advil or any non-aspirin analgesic is recommended. Artificial teardrops, included in your supplies, often provide some relief. No matter what, do not rub your eyes!
Any of the following symptoms are common and normal:
Your vision might be foggy because of the swelling on the cornea. It might be similar to looking through a frosted window or under water.
Once your procedure is complete you will be able to go home almost immediately to rest. Try to sleep for at least 4 hours to facilitate the healing process of the flap. Most of our patients wake up from their nap with little or no discomfort and notice a significant improvement in their vision. This can be very exciting!
Plan to relax for the remainder of the day following your procedure. You should not drive until Dr. Seibel verifies your vision during your one-day post-operative exam.
By the next morning, you should notice a dramatic improvement in your vision. Be sure to enjoy this moment. Take a look at your alarm clock. Look out your bedroom window and see the neighborhood, as it has never appeared to you before. The quick recovery of functional vision is impressive and often described as miraculous.
It is typical to have up to an 80-90% improvement in vision by the next morning after your procedure and return to most routine activities promptly.
Follow-up care is as important as the actual procedure. It is absolutely essential for you to adhere to your instructions. You will be required to use anti-inflammatory and antibiotic eye drops on a regular basis for a several weeks.
The epithelium, where the flap was created, recovers slowly, so be patient and take good care of it. It is essential to protect your eyes from being bumped or touched; especially, keep your hands away from your eyes. In very rare circumstances a special contact lens may be necessary for a short period after LASIK eye surgery. Generally, your vision will be stable in a matter of weeks.
Adopt these habits as soon as your procedure is complete:
To monitor healing, it is essential that you see Dr. Seibel the day after surgery, again at three weeks, and then at three months and six months following the surgery.
At Seibel Vision Surgery, your eyes and vision are of paramount importance. To help you make the most informed decisions regarding the welfare of your vision, we are delighted to be of service and are happy to answer any questions you may have.
Please take the time to familiarize yourself with the information contained on this site. We have compiled it especially for you!
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Friday
8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
OUR ADDRESS
11620 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 711
Los Angeles, California 90025
PHONE
(310) 444-1134
FAX
(310) 444-1130
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