After Surgery
You will likely experience some degree of discomfort over the first few days after either procedure. During this time, your vision may be blurred in one or both eyes, and your vision will fluctuate throughout the day. You may also experience mild halos at night for the first few days. In some cases, your vision is better initially after the procedure, and then later becomes blurred. These symptoms vary among individuals, and will be monitored at your follow up visits.
Immediate Post-Operative Care
- The surgical assistant will review common symptoms you may experience over the next 24 hours. The assistant will also make an appointment for your mandatory 24 hour post-operative assessment, at our clinic.
- You must wear the goggles or sunglasses provided, as they ensure adequate protection.
- Be aware your eyes will be irritated and light sensitive following the procedure, and you may not be able to keep your eyes open. This usually diminishes within a few hours after the surgery.
- Please follow the drop schedule provided or as recommended by the surgeon.
- Please refer to the Activity Schedule list.
WE ADVISE YOU NOT DRIVE FOR AT LEAST 24 HOURS AFTER LASIK SURGERY, AND/OR UNTIL YOUR VISION IS CLEAR AFTER PRK OR LASIK PROCEDURES.
Follow Up Visits
Please remember that Follow-up care is as important as the actual procedure. Each Post-operative evaluation at our clinic takes approximately 15 minutes. The optometrist will evaluate the cornea, and the healing process of your eyes, and will guard against infection.
| LASIK | PRK |
| 24 hour visit is mandatory at the LASIK PROVISION Clinic. | 24 hour visit is mandatory at the LASIK PROVISION Clinic. |
| 1 week | every day for a minimum of 5 days after surgery. Alternative follow up arrangements may be made on an individual basis. Please contact your refractive counselor. |
| 1 month | every 1-2 weeks after Bandage Contact Lens removal (for as long as directed by eye care professional) |
| 3 months | 3 months |
| 6 months |
These visits and all additional medically necessary visits are covered in the cost of the surgery. However, any future visits are subject to a fee UNLESS a Clear Vision Plan is selected. Post-operative visits are ONLY scheduled Monday – Friday; with the exception of the 24 hour visit for surgeries performed on a Friday or Saturday.
NOTE: If you choose to have your post-operative care performed by your own eye care professional, your doctor will require a post-operative form. Please ask for this at your 24 hour visit at our clinic. In accordance with the Privacy Act, to initiate an exchange of medical information an authorization of release must be completed by the patient. We encourage your co-managing doctor to fax copies of your post-operative visits to LASIK PROVISION so that we can continue to monitor your post-operative progress.
Post-LASIK Activity Schedule
Recommended following Uncomplicated Lasik Surgery unless otherwise directed by the doctor.
DAY OF LASIK SURGERY
- This should be a day of rest.
- Avoid activities where the eye may be poked, rubbed or touched.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes! Use lubricating eye drops to relieve discomfort.
- Avoid staring without lubricating the eyes. ( activities such as prolonged reading or watching TV )
Avoid smoking for 1 week, as well as atmospheres that contain smoke, dust or other irritants for 1 week.
1 DAY
- Baths must be taken for one week instead of showering unless protective eye goggles are worn. Avoid getting any soap or water in the eyes.
- Restrict movement to light activities.
- Returning to work is not recommended, however office work at home is acceptable.
- Driving short distances after the eye examination IF adequate vision is attained at the post-operative evaluation. Remember to continue with artificial tears.
- Reading, watching TV and computer work, with continuous use of the lubricating drops.
- Flying in airplanes; ensure eyes are generously lubricated (every 15-30 minutes)
2 DAYS
- You may resume office work and computer use (with continued use of eye lubrication).
- Driving can be resumed if adequate vision is confirmed.
- Apply face makeup (but not eye makeup).
3 DAYS
- Exercise without risk to the eyes (treadmill, stairmaster, stationary bike)
- Sexual Activity (avoid touching near the eyes)
- Playing with children (avoid any contact near the eyes)
- Drinking alcohol
- Smoking
1 WEEK
- Showering can resume without goggles.
- Sleeping can resume without wearing goggles.
- Applying eye makeup (be very careful not to rub the eyes when removing makeup)
- Jogging outdoors
- Rollerblading
- Relaxed bicycling (no mountain biking)
- Playing golf
- Lifting weights
- Welding
1 MONTH (with eye protection until 6 MONTHS after surgery)
- Swimming
- Sun-tanning
- Sailing
- Sauna, hot-tubs
- Racquet sports: tennis, squash, racquetball, badminton (always wear eye protection)
- Baseball, basketball, football, soccer, hockey, skiing
- Motorcycling, dirt biking, mountain biking
- Snorkeling
- Scuba diving * (for a maximum of 30 ft. depth)
3 MONTHS (with eye protection until 6 MONTHS after surgery)
- Water skiing
- Surfing, wind surfing
- Kayaking
6 MONTHS
- Scuba diving (any depth)
- Parachuting
- Riding rollercoasters