One of the most popular vision correction surgeries out there today is LASIK. By undergoing LASIK surgery, a patient is able to see clearly without the aid of glasses or contact lenses. As effective as LASIK is, many patients who come to our Rapid City laser eye surgery center do note changes in their vision after undergoing the procedure. One particular side effect of surgery is light sensitivity. This can be annoying, though thankfully it’s only temporary. Our team would like to go over a few basics about light sensitivity after LASIK right now and give you a few tips about how it can be reduced.
About LASIK Surgery
First a brief explanation about how LASIK is performed since that helps explain why you will experience vision changes as you heal. During LASIK surgery, a flap is created in the topmost layer of the cornea and a laser is used to reshape the cornea so that light is properly focused on the retina.
Light Sensitivity After LASIK
Our ophthalmologists and optometrists always let patients know that they will experience vision changes as they heal from LASIK. This is due to changes in the corneal shape and the creation of the corneal flap. In those first few days after LASIK surgery, natural light and artificial light may seem especially harsh as your eyes heal and you become accustomed to the changes in the shape of your cornea.
Is light sensitivity common after LASIK?
Yes, this is a common side effect that LASIK patients experience, so do not worry. It will last for a few days, though many patients notice the light sensitivity diminish relatively quickly. This is a sign of your cornea healing.
There are a few ways that patients will be able to reduce light sensitivity and make this condition abate faster.
Rest Your Eyes After Surgery
After you undergo LASIK, be sure to rest your eyes, especially on that first day. Do not read, watch television, used the computer, watch a movie, or browse the internet. Your main concern is wellness, so focus only on resting your eyes so that they heal faster.
Avoid Bright Light Situations
Since you know you’ll be sensitive to bright lights, do your best to stay away from them. Don’t go outdoors unless necessary, and try to be near soft light or dim lights indoors.
Wear Sunglasses
If you do go outside (e.g., visiting our eye care center for a follow-up visit), we recommend wearing sunglasses to help prevent harsh lights from irritating you.
Wear a Hat with a Large Brim
In addition to wearing sunglasses, wearing a baseball cap or a hat with a wide/large brim is also helpful. This will keep a lot of sun and overhead light out of your eyes.
What to Do Should Light Sensitivity Persist
If you experience issues with light sensitivity for a few days and see no change, be sure to get in touch with our team of eye doctors. We will check to ensure that you are healing properly and make sure that you receive the care that you need when it is most needed.
Schedule a Consultation for Laser Vision Correction
For more information about LASIK and your many other options for advanced vision care, be sure to contact our Rapid City eye care center
today. We look forward to meeting you in person and helping you make the best possible decisions regarding your eye care and vision health needs.
