Health Tip: Recovering From LASIK

(HealthDay News) — LASIK eye surgery reduces a person’s need to wear glasses or contact lenses. But an improvement in vision often isn’t quick.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine says here’s what you can expect after the procedure:

  • Initially, the affected eye may burn, itch or feel like you’ve got something in it. Avoid rubbing the eye under any circumstance.
  • You may have hazy or blurry vision on the day of the surgery. But it should subside soon afterward.
  • You may need to wear a protective shield over your eye until your follow-up appointment with the doctor, which typically is 24 hours to 48 hours after surgery. If you have severe pain after the procedure, do not wait for the follow-up appointment to call your doctor.
  • You shouldn’t drive until you can see clearly.
  • Avoid using hot tubs or whirlpools, swimming, playing sports, and wearing cosmetics or lotions around the eyes for two to four weeks after the surgery.
  • Expect that your vision may not fully stabilize for three to six months.