After the procedure, you may experience dry eye problems for a certain period. This condition is managed with artificial tear drops, which can be discontinued after a while. Your doctor will inform you of this duration.
Stinging and Tearing After Laser Eye Surgery
Laser eye surgery is a broad subject. The type of laser treatment to be applied is determined based on the patient's condition, examination, and tests. After surgeries such as Intralase-LASIK and LASIK that create a flap in the cornea, symptoms like pain, stinging, and tearing may occur for about 6 hours. After procedures like LASEK and PRK, which involve removing the surface of the eye, pain can be experienced for 2-3 days. A protective contact lens can be provided to the patient after the procedure to minimize this pain.
Headache After Laser Eye Surgery
If a headache is felt after the procedure, a painkiller without blood-thinning properties can be taken upon consulting your doctor. Protecting the treated eye from sunlight and light will also help prevent headaches.
The First Day After Laser Eye Surgery
On the first day, experiencing blurred vision and complaints such as stinging, burning, and tearing for 3-4 hours is normal. The medications recommended by your doctor should be used as prescribed without deviation after the operation. If a headache is felt after the procedure, a painkiller without blood-thinning properties can be taken upon consultation with your doctor. Driving and going to work on the day of the surgery is not recommended.
Avoid dusty environments, and do not rub, scratch, touch the treated eye, or let it come into contact with water for the first 24 hours. You can return to daily life the day after the operation. The artificial tear drop recommended by your doctor should be used for 3 to 6 months after the surgery.
Follow-Ups After Laser Eye Surgery
Follow-up intervals can vary according to the type of laser eye surgery performed. They can be scheduled for the next day, one week later, one month, and three months post-operation, then reduced to once a year routinely.
Other Important Points to Consider After Laser Eye Surgery
The recovery process after laser eye surgery can vary from person to person. Being cautious during this time speeds up recovery and prevents potential complications. Protecting the eyes, especially in the first weeks after surgery, and the regular use of eye drops prescribed by the doctor are crucial.
Blurred Vision in One Eye After Laser Surgery
Some patients may experience blurred vision in one eye after laser eye surgery. This condition is mostly temporary and clears up in a few days. However, factors such as dry eye or irregular use of drops can prolong the duration of this blurriness. If blurred vision in one eye does not resolve within a few days, a doctor should be consulted.
How Long Does Blurred Vision Last After Laser Eye Surgery?
Blurred vision complaints lasting 24 to 48 hours after the procedure are generally considered normal. In surface techniques like LASEK and PRK, this period can extend to a few days. Post-surgery blurred vision is part of the eye surface's healing process and typically does not present a permanent issue. However, it is important to use the prescribed drops on time, limit screen time, and avoid eye strain during the healing process.
Makeup After Laser Eye Surgery
No makeup should be applied around the eyes for the first week after surgery. Makeup products can increase the risk of infection in the eye and negatively affect the healing process. With the doctor's approval, light makeup is generally permissible after a week. However, it may be necessary to wait a little longer before using products like mascara and eyeliner.
Showering After Laser Eye Surgery
It is advised not to shower within the first 24 hours post-surgery. During this period, eye contact with water should be avoided. Showers can be taken in the following days; however, care should be taken while washing the face to ensure that soap and shampoo do not come into contact with the eyes. Washing with closed eyes and avoiding directly spraying the face with the showerhead can be beneficial during this time.
Use of Drops After Laser Eye Surgery
The regular use of drops recommended by the doctor after laser eye surgery is essential for the healing process. These drops reduce the risk of infection, prevent dry eyes, and provide comfort. The duration of drop usage can vary depending on the individual's eye structure and type of surgery; in some patients, this period might be 3 months, while in others, it might extend to 6 months. To ensure the success of the treatment, it must be applied as recommended by the doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does blurred vision last after laser eye surgery?
Blurred vision experienced post-surgery is quite common and usually temporary. In LASIK laser surgeries, most people notice a significant improvement in vision clarity within the first 24 to 48 hours after the procedure. As the eyes enter the healing process, achieving full clarity can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. In methods like LASEK or PRK applied to the surface layer, the healing process could be a bit longer. Achieving full visual acuity in these procedures can take 1-2 weeks, and some individuals may experience temporary visual fluctuations for several months. Especially at night, temporary complaints such as glare, halos, or double vision may also occur. All these symptoms are typically a natural part of the healing process; however, if there is a prolonged increase in complaints beyond expected, an eye doctor should be consulted.
Is blurred vision in one eye normal after laser surgery?
Yes, especially in the early days following surgery, one eye seeing more blurred than the other is a common situation. The healing rate of the eyes can differ from individual to individual and from eye to eye. This condition is particularly pronounced in surgeries involving both eyes on different days or when the eye structure reacts differently during the procedure. Usually, this asymmetric blurriness resolves on its own within a few days. If the blurriness persists for a long time, sensitivity to light increases, or additional complaints like pain develop, it is important to consult a physician. Dry eye can also cause blurred vision in one eye, so regular use of the moisturizing drops recommended by your doctor is crucial.
When can makeup be applied after laser eye surgery?
After surgery, a period when the eyes become more susceptible to infection is experienced. Therefore, it is generally recommended to wait at least 1 week before applying makeup around the eyes. During this period, products like eyeliner and eyeshadow applied to the eyelid should be avoided as they can increase the risk of infection. The use of products like mascara, which directly contacts the eye, requires more caution, and it is safer to wait at least 2 weeks, preferably 3-4 weeks, for these products. Attention should also be paid to the hygiene of makeup materials; old or shared products should never be used. When resuming eye makeup, ensure the products do not come into contact with the eye, and carefully remove makeup every night.
How long should drops be used after laser eye surgery?
Postoperative drops are prescribed to support the healing process of the eye and to reduce the risk of infection. Usually, several different types of drops are recommended: antibiotic drops, corticosteroid drops, and artificial tears. Antibiotic drops are typically discontinued within the first week, while the use of corticosteroid drops can last for 1 month or longer. Artificial tears can be used regularly for 3 to 6 months in most patients. In some individuals, and if prolonged dryness occurs, the use of these drops may continue for up to a year. The duration of drop usage varies based on the individual's eye structure, type of surgery, and healing speed, so it is essential to follow the treatment plan provided by the doctor. Applying the drops with the correct technique is crucial to achieving the desired effect.