Why Laser Eye Surgery?
Modern laser vision correction procedures have become very popular and are common surgeries for those with short sight, long sight or astigmatism. Operations such as LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis), have revolutionised eye health care. With the use of the latest technology, you can expect clearer vision and freedom from contact lenses and glasses.
Clinics like Optegra, which is a leading London-based eye clinic with locations including the prestigious Harley Street Eye Clinic, provide world-class care from expert eye surgeons. With extensive experience in cataract surgery, pterygium surgery, and glaucoma surgery, they guide each patient through every healing process stage.
It is no longer an option for the few, now more people than ever are eligible for laser eye correction and this should be considered to improve your overall wellbeing.
The Benefits of LASIK Surgery
LASIK eye surgery is the most used and well-known type of laser eye surgery with around 95% of people choosing this procedure over other forms of laser eye surgery. This is due to several factors which make a big difference to the individual.
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It is a proven correction method with 96% patients achieving their desired vision
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It’s a quick procedure and recovery time is fast
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Treatment is painless and no stitches are required
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Most patients no longer need to wear glasses
First Steps
Before your procedure, your eye care team will determine if you’re a good candidate through a comprehensive consultation. They’ll assess factors like corneal thickness, existing eye conditions, and potential risk of complications.
Common questions:
Initial Healing Phase (First Few Days)
You may have slightly blurry vision at first and vision may fluctuate for the first few hours. It’s possible to feel a little mild discomfort and gritty eyes in the first day. Wearing sun glasses can be helpful. Avoid travel and don’t drive during this time as your eyes begin the initial healing phase. This is the most important thing for a smooth recovery.
Normally after your treatment, you will be asked to stay in the eye health clinic or hospital until you feel completely comfortable making your way home. As with any kind of surgery, the body’s immediate response is inflammatory swelling. Your cornea could swell slightly, which may cause your eyesight to seem a little foggy or blurry in the few hours after surgery. This fades over time, and in most cases, the swelling will have subsided and any blurring will have disappeared after 24 hours.
It’s advised that you do not go into work for 1-2 days after your treatment to give your eyes the best chance to fully heal. You may need to attend a follow-up exam. Here the clinical care team will review your eye health and determine if you will be able to drive and use gadgets, such as mobile phones and tablets.
For the first week, it is crucial that you do not expose your eyes to irritation. Do not wear make-up, apply products around your eyes, or get soap or water in your eyes. Try to avoid smoke and dust and avoid rubbing your eyes. Optometrists also advise you to avoid alcohol consumption for one week after your surgery, as alcohol can interfere with your body’s healing process and cause dehydration in your eyes.
Around day three your eyes should have recovered enough for you to exercise if you would like to, such as going on the treadmill or going on a bike ride. However, you should wait at least a week before practicing yoga and aerobic exercises and two weeks for lifting weights.
Can I Travel After LASIK Surgery?
If you are planning on travelling or going on holiday soon after your laser eye surgery, please check with your treating surgeon about when this would be possible. Some patients are able to fly days after a procedure but generally this should be a few weeks past treatment, not days. This is because plane cabins have low humidity, which can exacerbate dry eye symptoms. The dry cabin air and air pressure changes may affect your eyes during longer flights, so follow your doctor’s recommendations for a comfortable travel experience.
If you’ve had cataract surgery or treatments like intravitreal injections, ask your doctor about the best time to fly.
Things to remember if you must travel after surgery are:
– Be sure to have your follow-up appointments before and after travel.
– Avoid hot tubs and swimming pools for at least a week to minimise risk of infection.
– Take out travel insurance that includes medical assistance.
– Know the signs of unusual symptoms like severe blurry vision, redness, or pain, and seek medical attention immediately.
Post-Operative Care
Be sure to choose a clinic with excellent post operative care. The follow up support is just as important as the operation itself.
Some tips for how to look after yourself in those first few days are:
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Have a friend or family member be around for any worries and physical support
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Limit screen time or better still avoid it for the first few days.
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Avoid rubbing your eyes.
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Use prescribed antibiotic eye drops diligently to support healing and reduce the risk of infection.
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Take care when showering and try to avoid getting any water and most importantly soap in your eyes.
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Stick to follow-up care appointments for professional expert advice.
The benefits of laser eye surgery go far beyond clearer vision. They give you a sense of freedom, reduce travel stress, and let you enjoy your life with renewed clarity. Eye surgery technology has changed the lives of so many people safely so if this is something which you feel impedes your quality of life go and find out more.
