Post-LASIK Recovery: What to Expect and Managing Concerns
Post-LASIK Recovery: What to Expect and Managing Concerns
LASIK surgery is a popular procedure for visual correction, but as with any medical intervention, it comes with its own set of potential complications and recovery periods. Often, patients like you find themselves in a state of uncertainty regarding their post-surgery recovery, particularly when it comes to visual discrepancies.
Visual Discrepancies and Dry Eyes
Two months post-surgery, you still experience visual discrepancies such as halos around light and shadows of words on your mobile. This is not uncommon, especially if your initial refractive error was high. LASIK often dries the eyes, which can affect vision significantly even if one doesn't feel it immediately. Using a lot of artificial tears is essential to keep the cornea well lubricated during the recovery period.
Evaluating Your Vision
Your current vision of 20/50 is not typical after LASIK, unless you were significantly over-corrected. It's crucial to discuss your concerns with your surgeon. While your vision may fluctuate, a simple refraction can help determine your current status. If a refraction corrects your vision to 20/20, it might mean that your eyes are either not fully stabilized or might be under- or over-corrected. Typically, enhancement surgeries are discussed and performed about three months after the initial LASIK procedure.
Common Complications and Diagnosis
Halos around light and shadows of words can be caused by several factors, including under-correction, over-correction, or even delayed complications like Diffuse Lamellar Keratitis (DLK). DLK is a condition where a fine, white foreign body defends the surface of the cornea, often resulting in visual disturbances. It's important to return to your doctor as soon as possible if you experience these symptoms.
Follow-Up and Long-Term Recovery
Barring any other complications, you are likely seeing about as well as you will after LASIK. It's important to continue monitoring your recovery and discuss with your surgeon whether an enhancement or touchup is the right step at this point. Keep in mind that your vision should stabilize within the six-month period. Before considering enhancements, your surgeon will assess whether the corneal tissue is sufficient for further procedures.
Conclusion
Post-LASIK recovery can be a time of uncertainty, but staying in close contact with your surgeon is crucial. Under-correction, over-correction, and other complications are common, and your vision should stabilize within a few months. Rest assured that your surgeon is the best authority to guide you through this process and address any concerns you may have.