LASIK is one of the safest and most successful surgical procedures that a person can undergo. In general, the recovery period after LASIK surgery is fairly quick and comfortable, especially when there are no complications during the surgery itself. At Broberg Eye Care in Austin, LASIK pain is nevertheless a potential risk; however, we minimize that risk by using only the most advanced technologies and techniques and through a meticulous screening process that helps to ensure that only the most qualified candidates will be permitted to undergo the procedure. At our state-of-the-art eye care facility, we prize nothing above the safety, comfort, and overall satisfaction of our valued patients.
While our team will certainly do everything possible on our end to ensure that you have a comfortable, speedy recovery, you will have obligations as a patient, as well. You will be given clear and thorough instructions on what you should and should not do during your recovery phase, and following these instructions to the absolute letter will further help to make your healing period as free from discomfort and stress as possible.
Basic Discomfort
Severe pain after LASIK surgery is extremely rare and should not be expected in general. However, some minor discomfort and soreness are to be expected. This discomfort could take the form of itchiness or even burning; more commonly, patients feel a sensation similar to the presence of a foreign object in the eye. Patients may also be sensitive to light and experience excessive tearing during the first couple of hours after surgery.
One of our three exceptional LASIK surgeons – Dr. Peter Broberg, Dr. Halsey Settle, or Dr. William McGlathery – may prescribe you a pain reliever to help manage this discomfort. You may also find the use of liquid tears useful in controlling any itching, burning, or redness that you experience. In general, however, these undesirable side effects will subside within three days, if not within a few hours of your surgery.
Severe Pain
Although extremely rare, severe pain is reported by some patients after LASIK surgery. If you should happen to experience such pain, especially if it is accompanied by tearing, you should contact our eye care center immediately. We will see you immediately so that we can diagnose the source of your pain. The most common cause of severe pain is flap dislocation and other flap-related problems, which can be remedied.
One of the most common causes of flap problems is a failure to follow post-operative instructions. For instance, patients should not rub their eyes within a week or so of surgery, regardless of how itchy or irritated their eyes may be. Doing so can cause the corneal flap to become dislodged. Likewise, patients should avoid streaming water coming into contact with the eyes, such as that which can occur during a shower. The failure to follow these instructions can lead to painful flap-related conditions.
Again, the liberal use of artificial tears can help to reduce itching and discomfort, making flap dislocation a far lesser risk.
Learn More about Reducing Post-LASIK Pain
To learn more about reducing pain after LASIK, please contact Broberg Eye Care today.