Laser eye surgery is by far the most effective treatment today for refractive errors like astigmatism, short-sightedness, and long-sightedness. If you wish to get rid of corrective lenses such as eyeglasses or contact lenses, laser eye surgery is highly recommended. The treatment is also effective for other visual conditions like presbyopia.
However, before you seek treatment, it helps to understand what the surgery entails, types of laser eye surgery, and their differences in recovery, post-operative care, etc. Below, we will focus on laser eye surgery post-operative care and recovery tips to consider for a fast and successful healing process free of eventualities like infections.
Tip 1: Choose the Right Type of Laser Eye Surgery
As mentioned, the type of laser eye surgery in question will dictate the post-operative care and recovery tips. In many cases, patients may be tempted to choose the type of surgery with the fastest healing time. However, this may not always be the best approach.
There are several laser eye surgeries, the most notable being LASIK, No-Cut, and Trans PRK. Let’s analyze them in detail, their characteristics and offerings, and see which procedure might be the right one for you.
a. LASIK
LASIK offers a fast healing time with a vast majority of patients able to return to their normal routines 1 to 2 days after surgery[1]. However, the procedure is highly invasive. LASIK is a flap procedure that involves creating a flap on the cornea before reshaping is done using a laser.
It’s impossible to experience complete healing with flap procedures like LASIK, and surgery complications or side effects like infections and epithelial ingrowths are common.
What’s more, not everyone is a candidate for this treatment. For example, people with dry eye symptoms and/or a thin/flat cornea can’t get LASIK. Luckily, there are better alternatives with better recovery times, among other benefits.
b. No-Cut Laser Surgery
No-Cut is a better alternative to LASIK in terms of recovery time. While it may take a few days longer to heal and resume normal duties or work, the long-term results are better.
As the name suggests, the surgery doesn’t involve any blade or laser cuts to the cornea. Since it’s a safe non-invasive surgery, there are no corneal flap-related complications in the long term, and you can rest assured of complete healing.
c. Trans-PRK
This is currently the most advanced non-invasive laser eye surgery treatment in the world, with the fastest recovery time when compared to LASIK and other traditional laser eye surgeries.
Trans-PRK also requires less post-op medication and comes with other notable benefits like no touch, no cut, no blade, and no alcohol during the procedure.
This laser eye surgery treatment is a one-step, no-touch procedure, creating the need for very little post-operative care. Patients enjoy faster recovery with the lowest risk of complications (near ZERO).
Tran-PRK also offers the most stable long-term results, with almost all patients enjoying perfect vision with no need for further correction.
Concerning recovery and overall post-operative care requirements, Trans-PRK and No-Cut come highly recommended over LASIK.
Tip 2: Seek Treatment from Established Laser Eye Surgery Clinics in Toronto
Now that you know the different types of laser eye surgery available today you can make an informed decision about which one might best suit you, but finding the right eye care provider will also play a crucial role in your recovery process.
Simple pre-surgery care also can dictate the speed of recovery. For instance, here at Goldberg Centre, we use special anti-inflammatory drops before surgical procedures to eliminate the risk of infection that can lengthen recovery time and cause other complications.
Goldberg Centre is also led by a highly experienced vision specialist and Ophthalmologist – Dr. Goldberg, who has over 42 years of vision correction experience and 100,000+ successful treatments for refractive errors like astigmatism among other vision issues. A patient’s chances of a full and quick recovery increase simply because treatment is sought from an experienced laser eye surgeon.
Recovery is also dictated by pre-surgery tests to some extent. Goldberg Centre utilizes the most advanced safety tests in pre-treatment, including: ORB scan, ZYWAVE, IDesign and OptoVUE, advanced screening via ORA to get the most precise corneal measurements and properties that are crucial for unmatched safety and precision during surgery.
Most importantly, you need a vision clinic that offers the best treatment available. Goldberg Centre offers the latest and safest laser eye surgery technology – Trans-PRK, with the best recovery times. What’s more, patients have 24-hour access to the clinic (including the surgeon) to guarantee the best and fastest possible recovery.
Remember, these laser eye surgery recovery/post-operative care benefits can only be offered by tested and proven clinics.
Tip 3: Follow Prescribed Post-Operative Care Routine/Instructions
After laser eye surgery, your eye surgeon will provide you with all the information required for a smooth and fast healing process free of infections, among other eventualities. You should follow this routine or instructions to ensure full recovery.
It’s worth noting that post – surgery routines will vary depending on the kind of laser vision correction you receive. Invasive treatments like LASIK have the most demanding post – surgery care because they are flap procedures.
This is what post-operative care looks like for the laser eye procedures we’ve covered so far:
a. LASIK Post-Operative Care
LASIK patients get pain relievers to deal with post-surgery pain, which is common when the anesthesia wears off. Eye drops are also prescribed to prevent infection and inflammation after surgery. The eyedrops should be used as directed.
Also, patients shouldn’t expose themselves to bright lights or rub their eyes to avoid damaging the flap. Patients should also avoid screen time and reading 24 hours after surgery. Other things to avoid a week to two weeks after surgery include:
- Contact sports and other types of strenuous activities
- Ultraviolet exposure (wear sunglasses)
- Eye makeup, creams, and lotions around the eyes (to avoid infections)
- Avoid swimming, whirlpools, and saunas
- Avoid soap on the eyes when bathing
- Avoid dusty environments and exposure to other elements like smoke, sawdust, etc.
b. No-Cut Post-Operative Care
No-Cut offers safer and faster long-term recovery than LASIK. Since there’s no cutting and no cornea flap created, there are no flap-related complications experienced during recovery.
The procedure is also painless, with no need for pain medication after treatment. However, follow-up appointments or regular check-ups may be required after 1 day, 5 days, 2 weeks, 1 Month, 3 months, and 12 months after surgery.
Patients who seek treatment at Goldberg Center will receive 24-hour availability directly with the Dr., the clinic, and the surgeon. Given the safety levels and efficiency of this treatment, there is no eye protection needed afterward. It would be good to relax in order to help the body recover. Eye drops can also be used as prescribed. Light regular activities can be resumed after a few days (5 days).
c. Trans-PRK Post-Operative Care
Trans PRK is the latest and safest laser eye surgery treatment today because it is a one-step, non-invasive process with a very high recovery rate (over 98%)[2].
It is considered an upgraded version of No-Cut, perfect for people with higher prescriptions. The surgery offers the safest and fastest healing times. The results are also better with minor blurry vision experienced for a few days.
To ensure the best results, follow the simple post-op care instructions i.e., apply eye drops as prescribed, avoid rubbing eyes, and maintain good hygiene to enjoy successful recovery and long-lasting results with no need for any further corrective treatments. After this particular procedure, patients can continue to live their lives right away although it would be good to relax and help the body recover.
In summary, the best way to ensure you have a safe and optimal laser eye surgery procedure is by knowing your options, choosing the one that best suits your needs, and booking it from an experienced provider in Toronto. By following these simple steps you will not have to worry about recovery and post-operative care.
Here at Goldberg Centre, we will guide you throughout the entire process including the post-surgery routine to maintain faster healing with no complications. We suggest you avoid invasive procedures like LASIK if you wish for a quick and smooth recovery process with long-lasting results. No-Cut and Trans PRK offer short-term discomfort for long-term gain.
Do you have additional questions or need more laser eye surgery recovery tips and post-operative care information? Book a FREE virtual/in-clinic laser eye surgery consultation today! Find out about Goldberg Centre’s interest-free financing, promotions, and payment plans for laser treatments while at it.
References
[1] MyHealth.Albera: https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=zy1396
[2] BMC Ophthalmology: https://bmcophthalmol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12886-020-01515-9