Normal Symptoms You May Experience After Laser Eye Surgery

Preparing for any kind of surgical procedure can be stressful and even a little frightening. And when said surgical procedure involves one of our most complex organs – our eyes – your anxieties may be even more heightened. For example, many patients worry about the symptoms they may experience after Laser Eye Surgery treatment.

Let’s face it, our eyes and our vision are one of our most precious assets. So, it’s only natural to worry about the effects after Laser Eye Surgery – even if the procedure went smoothly (as is the case for the vast majority of patients!).

But our worries can’t always be silenced by figures or numbers. In some cases, the best way to address anxieties is to learn what to expect from your treatment. Doing so can help us to be prepared for the normal side effects of Laser Eye Surgery, as well as for the extremely unlikely event that something does go wrong.

At London Vision Clinic, we strive to make this research and preparation as straightforward as possible. That’s why we publish a huge range of resources on our website, allowing prospective patients to learn as much as possible about Laser Eye Surgery and other refractive treatments.

With that in mind, in this article, we’re taking a closer look at the normal symptoms you may experience after Laser Eye Surgery.

Knowledge Dispels Fear

Since its introduction in the late 1980s, Laser Eye Surgery has developed at an incredible pace. In fact, it is now one of the safest and most commonly performed elective procedures in the world. For many, this simple fact can help to put their mind at ease. But if you still have any worries or concerns about your recovery, an expert at your chosen clinic should always be able to help.

After all, we find that no matter how much information is available online, nothing can substitute for an in-depth conversation with a medical professional. Nonetheless, to give you an idea of what you can expect after Laser Eye surgery, here are some common symptoms that may present after your treatment.

Light sensitivity

In the days following Laser Eye Surgery – particularly LASEK and LASIK – it is normal to experience an increased sensitivity to light. This is temporary and usually resolves after a few days.

For this reason, we advise patients to rest their eyes as much as possible in the first 24-48 hours post-surgery. We also recommend wearing sunglasses outside on the day of your surgery and avoiding screens wherever possible.

Irritation and discomfort

It is normal to experience some minor discomfort as the anaesthetic eyedrops wear off. In most cases, any irritation will be mild and can be effectively managed with over-the-counter painkillers. However, your clinic will provide you with stronger painkillers should they be required. Significant pain is extremely rare, and yet if you experience it, your expert surgeon is the best person to help.

Lubricating eyedrops, which will also be provided by the clinic, can also be effective at mitigating any discomfort.

Dry eyes

Dry eyes are one of the most common symptoms following Laser Eye Surgery. This is because the procedure can temporarily affect the eyes’ tear film, causing the eyes to dry out. This can be a major source of discomfort in the days following your treatment. Thankfully, post-operative dry eyes are usually easily managed with the help of lubricating eye drops.

It is important to follow the eyedrop routine set out by your surgeon in the days and weeks following your procedure. Dry eyes can persist for a few months after Laser Eye Surgery, which can be frustrating. However, your surgeon and our other knowledgeable clinic staff are always on hand to help with any concerns.

Blurred vision and fluctuations

The removal of tissue in Laser Eye Surgery triggers the eye’s inflammatory response. Part of this response is to send fluid to the treatment area, causing the eye to swell. While this is a completely natural reaction, this swelling can cause a number of side effects, including blurred and fluctuating vision.

This may present as a pale mist across your vision or as noticeable fluctuations in your visual acuity. Again, this is only temporary, and these symptoms will begin to resolve themselves as the swelling in your eyes subsides. You should notice improvements after the first 48 hours, however, it can take a few months for your vision to reach optimum levels.

If these symptoms are still worrying you, or if you feel they are getting worse rather than better, the clinic where you were treated should be happy to assist and most likely put your mind at ease.

These symptoms are completely normal and are usually mild; however, you are the best judge of how your are feeling. If something, no matter how small, is concerning you after your treatment, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your clinic for advice. 

If you’d like to learn more about what to expect from your Laser Eye Surgery recovery, get in touch with one of our friendly and knowledgeable clinic coordinators today. Or, to start your journey to clear vision, Book a Consultation at our Harley Street clinic.