Lasik eye surgery permanently changes the shape of the cornea (the clear covering on the front of the eye). It is done to improve vision and reduce the need for glasses or contact lenses.
What to Expect at Home
After you have Lasik surgery, an eye shield or patch will be placed over your eye. It will protect the flap and help prevent rubbing or pressure on your eye until it has healed (most often overnight).
Right after the surgery, you may have burning, itching, or a feeling that something is in your eye. This most often goes away within 6 hours.
Vision is often blurry or hazy on the day of surgery. The blurriness starts to go away by the next day.
At the first eye surgeon visit after surgery:
- The eye shield is removed.
- The eye surgeon examines your eye and tests your vision.
- You will receive eye drops to help prevent infection and inflammation.
Do not drive until you have been cleared by your eye surgeon and your vision has improved enough to do so safely.
Self-care
You may be prescribed a mild pain reliever and a sedative to help you relax. It is very important not to rub your eye after surgery, so that the flap does not dislodge or move. Keep your eye closed as much as possible for the first 6 hours.
You will need to avoid the following for 2 to 4 weeks after surgery:
- Swimming
- Hot tubs and whirlpool
- Contact sports
- Lotions and creams around the eyes
- Eye makeup
Your eye surgeon will give you specific instructions on how to care for your eye.
When to Call the Doctor
Call your eye surgeon right away if you have severe pain or any of the post-surgery symptoms worsen before your scheduled follow-up appointment. The first follow-up is most often scheduled for 24 to 48 hours after surgery.
Alternative Names
Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis - discharge; Laser vision correction - discharge; LASIK - discharge; Myopia - Lasik discharge; Nearsightedness - Lasik discharge; Hyperopia - Lasik discharge; Farsightedness - Lasik discharge
Images
References
American Academy of Ophthalmology. Preferred Practice Pattern Refractive Management/Intervention Panel: Refractive management/intervention summary benchmark 2022. www.aao.org/education/summary-benchmark-detail/refractive-management-intervention-summary-benchma-2. Updated December 2022. Accessed February 21, 2024.
Bhullar PK, Venkateswaran N, Gupta PK. Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). In: Yanoff M, Duker JS, eds. Ophthalmology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 3.4.
Chuck RS, Jacobs DS, Lee JK, et al. Refractive errors & refractive surgery preferred practice pattern. Ophthalmology. 2018;125(1):P1-P104. PMID: 29108748 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29108748/.
Cioffi GA, Liebmann JM. Diseases of the visual system. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 391.
Probst LE. LASIK technique. In: Mannis MJ, Holland EJ, eds. Cornea. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 176.
US Food & Drug Administration website. What should I expect before, during, and after surgery? www.fda.gov/medical-devices/lasik/what-should-i-expect-during-and-after-surgery. Updated July 11, 2018. Accessed February 21, 2024.
Review Date 1/29/2024
Updated by: Audrey Tai, DO, MS, Athena Eye Care, Mission Viejo, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.