Blurred Vision after LASIK Causes, Prevention, Side Effects, and More! (1)

Blurred Vision after LASIK: Causes, Prevention, Side Effects, and More!

14 Jun, 2022 posted by Laudee

 

Introduction to the LASIK Surgery

 

LASIK is a surgical procedure that can help you see better and use less eyeglasses. While it is not meant for everybody, it has helped many improve their vision or get rid of glasses and contacts for good.

 

When you undergo LASIK to correct your vision, the surgeon essentially reshapes your cornea with a laser to help you focus more clearly. However, LASIK eye surgery has its side effects, which can include blurred vision in some cases. The amount of time it takes for your vision to return to normal can vary from individual to individual and depends on the reason why you have blurred vision after LASIK.

Blurred Vision

Common side effects after LASIK surgery

 

  1. Light Sensitivity

 

Light sensitivity is a common side effect after LASIK. The light coming through your eyes can be painful or uncomfortable, depending on how sensitive your eyes are. Some people may also notice the glare effect, which may cause trouble while driving.

 

This light sensitivity may resolve itself over time while you’re healing from the procedure. Still, it’s always possible that you will feel some minor light sensitivity for the rest of your life.

 

  1. You might feel Slight Discomfort 

 

The LASIK procedure is pain-free, but some discomfort may occur during recovery. You won’t be seeing perfectly immediately after your procedure. That’s expected. You might need to wear glasses for the first few days, and you might have a small amount of discomfort during this time. The discomfort should go away after a day or two, and you should be able to see clearly within seven days. You’ll also need to protect your eyes from wind, dust, and UV light for several weeks after the procedure.

 

If you feel discomfort instantly after your surgery, then it’s recommended that you let your eyes relax by taking a nap, and you’ll definitely feel better when you wake up.

 

  1. Dry or itchy eyes

 

After you get LASIK, it’s not uncommon for people to experience dry or itchy eyes due to the various changes that take place in your corneas. However, this is usually temporary and goes away after a few days or weeks. It’s important to keep using eye drops as prescribed by your doctor so you can maintain moisture while your eyes heal.

 

  1. Watery eyes

 

One of the most common complaints after LASIK surgery is watery eyes that can last anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks after the procedure. This is because your cornea’s surface has been changed dramatically during surgery, which takes time for your body to adjust.

 

If you have any other questions about it, We always say it’s best to reach out to your LASIK surgeon and ask them if they can make an appointment with you.

 

  1. Blurry or foggy vision

 

Don’t worry about blurry or foggy vision after LASIK. Blurry vision is often a temporary condition, and it should improve within two weeks. This is usually because the cornea (the front layer of your eye) has become thinner than it used to be and can no longer bend light into your retina (the back part of your eye). Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you can see well enough to do so safely. If the symptoms persist even after two weeks, contact your doctor.

 

What causes blurry vision after LASIK vision correction surgery?

 

Ever thought about what the causes of sudden blurry vision are? After LASIK, the blurry vision tells you that you had some type of flap movement. During surgery, there is a thin piece of tissue called a flap that has been created and moved away from your eye. The flap is supposed to stay in place, but if it moves at all, it may cause light sensitivity or blurry vision. Blurriness can also happen because of eye dryness after completing the LASIK procedure.

 

How do I prevent blurry vision after LASIK?

 

  1. Take a Nap 

 

Taking a nap after LASIK is important to prevent blurry vision because it will help your eyes relax and adjust to the new shape. Blurry vision is caused by swelling after LASIK, so a short nap will give your eyes time to rest and reduce that swelling. Your doctor may recommend an eye mask or sleeping in complete darkness to further help with swelling.

 

  1. Do not rub, scratch, or touch your eyes

 

It’s important to take care of your LASIK-treated eyes after your procedure! Rubbing, scratching, or touching your eyes can cause blurry vision and even infections. It is normal to feel dryness or discomfort the day after surgery, but don’t overcompensate by rubbing dry eyes. Keep them moisturized with a good eye solution, and wash your hands before touching them. Also, talk to your doctor if you feel pain or discomfort in your eyes.

 

  1. Use medications as prescribed

 

The best way to prevent blurry vision after LASIK is by using your medications exactly as prescribed by your doctor. You should use your eye drops as prescribed to avoid blurry vision after LASIK and minimize the risk of infection. After your vision has stabilized, you can discontinue the eyedrops since they are no longer necessary. You will still need to wear sunglasses or protective eyewear to protect your eyes from UV rays.

 

  1. Do not swim or spend time in a pool for two weeks after the procedure

 

While you may wonder why someone would need to refrain from swimming after LASIK, research shows that the amount of pressure exerted on your cornea while swimming is similar to the pressure felt when blinking. This can lead to a slight decrease in oxygen delivery to your cornea, increasing the chances of you experiencing blurry vision or halos around lights. There’s a similar warning against spending too much time in the shower or steam room after getting LASIK procedures as well.

 

  1. Avoid dusty or smoky areas

 

You might have heard that you should avoid dusty or smoky areas if you’ve had LASIK eye surgery. This is because one of the potential complications after LASIK is dry eyes, which can cause blurry vision. A deficiency causes dry eyes in tears and lubrication, so avoiding dust and smoke prevents them from drying out your eyes and causing problems.

 

  1. Don’t use lotion or makeup

 

After LASIK surgery, it’s important to let your eyes heal. You can do this by avoiding makeup for the first two weeks after LASIK and by not using lotion or eye cream on your face for a month after surgery. Since many products contain oils and chemicals that can get into your eye and blur vision, you should avoid putting them near your eyes for at least a month after surgery.

 

  1. Schedule follow-ups

 

One of the biggest mistakes when it comes to LASIK is not following up on your follow-ups. The best way to ensure you don’t experience blurry vision after surgery is by having regular check-ups with your doctor. Schedule a follow-up appointment directly with them and make an effort to keep that follow-up appointment as soon as possible after your initial LASIK procedure.

 

Conclusion:

 

If you are experiencing blurred vision after LASIK, it is important to visit your doctor. There are a number of potential causes, and some of them can be serious. By visiting your doctor, you can get the help you need to correct the problem and restore your vision.

 

Author Bio:

 

Aaron Barriga is the online marketing manager for Insight Vision Center. With a knack for understanding medical procedures and an interest in eye and vision health, Aaron loves to share what he knows and what he learns. He blogs to inform readers about the latest eye care technology and other topics related to eye care, especially LASIK. Aaron loves collecting coasters from the different bars and restaurants he visits during his travels.

Photo by Marina Vitale and  Kat J on Unsplash