One of the most attractive features of Lasik surgery is a quick surgical procedure with high success rate, fast results and a relatively brief recovery. While this process has certainly earned its results driven reputation, patients are still accountable for ensuring that the recovery process runs smoothly. Understanding the healing period after the procedure can help with your responsibilities as a participant in recovery.

Understand Your Postoperative Instructions

The actual surgical procedure takes a minimal amount of time, approximately 15 minutes. Once the surgery is complete, you will be provided with a protective shield for your eyes. The surgeon's office will also hand you a detailed list of postoperative instructions. It's necessary that you carefully follow directions from your laser eye surgeon in efforts to ensure a safe and speedy recovery.

Avoiding eye strain is essential during the early postoperative period. Arrange for someone to escort you home from the doctor's office. You will also need to rest with your eyes closed during the first two to four hours. Within a few hours following laser eye surgery, the anesthesia will start to wear off. Your eyes may recurrently water and tear up. Eyes may also feel itchy, or start to burn and become irritated. Avoid rubbing your eyes at all costs, as it may induce added inflammation and disrupt the placement of the corneal flap.

Lasik Healing Period and Medications

The surgeon will provide you with a solution of artificial tears for keeping the eyes lubricated. You will also receive some steroid drops to prevent inflammation and antibiotics drops to fight against infection. Begin administering the drops during the first day following Lasik.

You may take over the counter anti-inflammatory medications to help alleviate any pain. However, extreme discomfort should be reported to the doctor immediately. The doctor should also be notified as early as possible if vision begins to worsen.

Understanding Necessary Precautions and the Lasik Healing Period

The first 24 hours following surgery should be devoted to resting your eyes. This includes no television, no computer work and no reading. Most patients are able to return to work a day or two following surgery.

Many patients experience 90 percent vision improvement within the first 24 hours. While results may be immediate, your eyes can take up to six months to fully adjust to the procedure. You may experience periods of fluctuating vision and sensitivity to light, glare, halos and blurred vision.

Be sure to ask for specific instructions regarding how long you will need to avoid cosmetics, perfumes and creams. Lotions and cosmetics can cause infection during the early stages of the healing process. Among other things to avoid are hot tubs and pools. Your surgeon may also require that you take baths over showers during the early recovery process. Certain sports that may pose a threat to the eyes and should be avoided until you receive doctor approval.

Schedule a Lasik Follow Up During the Healing Period

It is necessary to schedule a follow up examination with your laser eye surgeon. A follow up examination allows your doctor to monitor the success of the procedure, in addition to the healing process. This is also a perfect opportunity to ask questions and address any concerns you might have about the outcome of your Lasik surgery.