What Will Happen Directly After Laser Eye Surgery?

If you’ve decided to go ahead with Laser Eye Surgery, you have likely spent a lot of time thinking about the procedure itself. This is completely understandable – I mean, who wouldn’t find the thought of eye surgery a little disconcerting? But hopefully, your chosen clinic will have given you all the information you need to put your mind at ease and give you time to start thinking about the next chapter.

Speaking of which, let’s take a closer look at what you can expect directly after your procedure is completed.

Open your eyes to a new world

If you’ve lived with glasses or contact lenses for most of your life, it may be unimaginable that you might once again be able to see clearly without them. Even those who have recently begun to experience the deterioration of presbyopia may have given up hope of ever being able to read the paper without those pesky reading glasses. But Laser Eye Surgery can deliver just that – and sooner than you might think.

Understandably, most of our patients are eager to know just how long after their treatment they will notice a difference – and the answer often surprises them. The fact is, many patients will notice an immediate improvement! We call this the “wow” effect (for obvious reasons).

Recovery times will vary

Of course, experiences vary from patient to patient, and depending on the procedure used. This also applies to the whole recovery process after Laser Eye Surgery.

For example, patients who have the minimally-invasive ReLEx SMILE are usually able to return to many regular activities and are seeing completely clearly within just a matter of days. In contrast, recovery from PRK/LASEK can take significantly longer as the eyes need more time to heal completely.

In the coming days, you will experience some fluctuations in your vision. This is completely normal and is to be expected as your eyes heal and swelling reduces. Blurred vision and other potential side effects (such as dry eyes and night vision disturbances) will usually decrease as your vision stabilises.

Unrivalled aftercare at London Vision Clinic

No matter which Laser Eye surgery procedure you need, or how long your eyes need to heal, we’re confident that nobody offers a more thorough aftercare regime than London Vision Clinic – starting from the second your procedure is complete.

On the day of your treatment

Before your treatment, our clinic staff and your surgeon will have told you everything you need to know about your treatment and aftercare regime. Once your procedure is complete (and your new vision unveiled), you will be taken to one of our relaxing recovery rooms. This room will have low lights to prevent any discomfort in your eyes (they will remain sensitive for some hours following your procedure).

Once you have had time to relax, one of our clinic coordinators will be on hand to go over your aftercare regime again. You will be provided with an aftercare package, complete with lubricating eye drops, painkillers, an eye shield and even a timetable to help you keep track of applying your drops. Your surgeon will also sign you off to leave the clinic and head home or to your hotel!

You will also be given your surgeon’s mobile number in case of an emergency – though this is extremely unlikely! At your next-day follow-up appointment, your surgeon will likely be able to sign you off to return to several activities, including returning to work.

For a more detailed overview of what to expect after Laser Eye Surgery, read our Guide to Recovery and Post-Operative Care After Laser Eye Surgery

If you have any questions about your recovery after Laser Eye Surgery, get in touch with one of our friendly clinic coordinators today. Alternatively, Book a Consultation to start your journey to clear vision.