What Happens After a LASIK Procedure?

Baptist Eye Surgeons • December 14, 2022

There’s a lot to look forward to post-LASIK, but don’t expect all of the changes to happen overnight. Following your procedure, your eyes will need time to stabilize. What’s more, you’ll need to take precautions in order to soothe your eyes and protect them from infection.what happens after a lasik procedure

Most people experience some form of eye irritation after LASIK. Once their vision has stabilized, most report a significant improvement in their vision. To get the best results, you’ll need to visit your doctor regularly for checkups and follow their advice closely to avoid damaging or infecting your eye.

Once LASIK Surgery Is Completed

It’s perfectly normal for your eyes to feel irritated once your LASIK surgery has been completed. This can include uncomfortable sensations such as:

  • Burning
  • Itching
  • Grittiness
  • The sensation of something stuck in your eye

Patients also report increased watery eyes after getting LASIK. You can also expect to experience blurry or hazy vision afterward. Some people may even experience mild pain following the procedure, but this is no cause for alarm. Your doctor will more than likely recommend a mild over-the-counter pain reliever such as Tylenol to treat your symptoms.

You may experience other uncomfortable sensations that affect your vision. For example, it’s not uncommon for patients to experience increased sensitivity to light after the procedure, as well as glares, starbursts, and halos around lights. It’s also common for patients’ eyes to appear red or bloodshot shortly afterward.

Click here to learn what happens during a LASIK procedure!

How To Treat the Short-Term Side Effects of LASIK

All of these side effects are normal and should begin to improve a few days after your surgery. Keep some lubricating eye drops on hand to help combat any symptoms of dry eye such as redness, itchiness, or other irritation. Make sure to have some Tylenol or other mild pain reliever on hand in case you experience any minor pain.

It’s best to take a few days off from work after getting LASIK surgery. Side effects that can impede your vision, such as sensitivity to light and glare, can affect your ability to perform daily activities. It’s better to avoid any possible problems or accidents by staying home until the side effects have had a chance to subside and for your vision to return to normal.

To learn how to prepare for a LASIK procedure, click here !

When to Contact Your Doctor

You will be seeing your doctor on a regular basis for at least the first six months to gauge your progress and the effectiveness of your LASIK procedure. However, you should see them as soon as possible if your initial side effects don’t subside after a couple of days. This is especially true if side effects such as pain and sensitivity begin to worsen rather than improve.

What Kind of Results Can I Expect from LASIK?

People get LASIK surgery in order to improve their vision. For many, the idea of not having to wear glasses or contacts is an exciting prospect. Whether it’s because you don’t like the hassle of keeping up with prescription glasses and sunglasses, the cost of contacts, or you simply don’t like the way they make you look, LASIK may be the solution you’re looking for.

According to the Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery , 90% of patients report 20/20 vision or better and 99% report better than 20/40 vision after undergoing LASIK surgery. Additionally, patients report a 96% satisfaction rate, which is the highest of any elective medical procedure.

Keep in mind that results will vary depending on why you needed LASIK, as well as other factors involving your vision. Patients with low-grade nearsightedness tend to have the best results. The results for patients with more significant cases of nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism are harder to predict.

Visiting Your Doctor After LASIK Surgerywhat not to do after lasik

You’ll want to see your doctor within 48 hours following your surgery so they can evaluate how the procedure went. They will make sure to:

  • Remove the eye shield
  • Perform a vision test
  • Perform an eye exam

You will want to see them regularly for at least six months so they can gauge your progress.

Your doctor may prescribe or recommend eye drops to help reduce the risk of inflammation and infection. They may also recommend over-the-counter eye drops to aid in lubricating the eye. You should refrain from wearing contacts until your doctor says it’s okay, even if you have blurry vision. Avoid playing non-contact sports for one to three days after surgery.

Preventing Infection

To avoid infection, don’t use any creams, lotions, or makeup around your eye. Your doctor will let you know when you can start using these products again. They may also recommend that you scrub your eyelashes after your surgery with a cloth and warm water. Avoid swimming, hot tubs, and whirlpools for the first couple of months after surgery.

Avoid contact sports for at least the first month following surgery. You want to protect your eyes by avoiding anything that may cause them to become damaged.

Changes in Vision After Lasik Surgery

It will take some time for your vision to be at its best after LASIK surgery. Prepare for the fact that there will be some fluctuation for the first few months. For example, problems such as difficulty driving at night, halos, and glare are to be expected during this period. Those who experience persistent symptoms will need to wait until they can qualify for reoperation.

It should also be noted that while your distance vision may improve after LASIK, pre-existing issues like halos and glare are unlikely to. LASIK surgery is designed to help people improve their distance vision. While the FDA hasn’t made a conclusive statement on the effectiveness of the procedure, countless people have testified to its results. 

Want to know if you are a candidate for LASIK? Schedule your LASIK consultation with one of our specialists today!

It’s common to experience some eye irritation in some form or another following LASIK surgery. Most patients report significant improvement in their vision once their vision stabilizes. For the best results, you will need to visit your doctor regularly so they can see how your vision is progressing. Be sure to follow their advice to the letter to avoid infections or other damage.

Baptist Eye Surgeons is an ophthalmological practice in Knoxville, TN, and Morristown, TN. Give us a call at 865-579-3920 for more information or to schedule an appointment .

What to Expect During Your First Eye Exam: A Step-by-Step Guide

September 22, 2026
A thorough eye exam is an important part of keeping your vision healthy and protecting your eyes. If you are arranging for your first eye examination as an adult, if you are taking a child in for an evaluation, or if you have noticed any changes in your vision, knowing what to expect can help make the experience more comfortable. The eye exams carried out at Baptist Eye Surgeons not only check your vision but also look at your general eye health and spot any possible problems that might call for further investigation. What is the Importance of Eye Examinations? An eye examination does not merely enable one to find out if glasses or contact lenses are required. It lets an eye care professional assess how well your eyes are working and spot the signs of common eye conditions.  Some eye conditions can progress slowly without symptoms. Regular eye checkups can help detect changes earlier and make sure you receive appropriate treatment when needed. Step by step: The Process Involved in Having an Eye Examination Even though the different appointments may vary according to your particular needs, a typical full eye examination will involve a number of significant steps. 1. An Examination of Your Medical & Eye History Your appointment may start with questions about your vision, medical history, medications, any previous eye conditions, and your family history of eye disease. Be sure to report any changes in your vision, eye discomfort, headaches, or other concerns you have noticed. Your eye care professional may also ask about the glasses or contact lenses you currently use and how well they work for you. 2. Checking Your Vision A well-known part of an eye examination is the visual acuity test. You might be asked to read some letters or symbols from a chart at a set distance. This lets doctors assess how clearly you can see and decide whether corrective lenses would help. Further testing could assess your ability to see up close and the way well your eyes work together. 3. The Measurement of Eye Health & Function Your eye care professional might carry out a number of tests in order to assess the health and functioning of your eyes. The tests involved may vary depending on your age, symptoms, and risk factors and could include measuring eye pressure, examining eye movement and coordination, and looking at the structures at the front and back of the eye. They can help spot possible signs of eye disorders. 4. Discussing Your Results Your ophthalmologist will review the results with you after the examination. If your vision has changed, they may suggest new prescription lenses. If they spot an eye condition or another issue, they could recommend further testing, further monitoring, or treatment. It is also a good chance to ask questions regarding your eye health and the recommended follow-up care. What Should You do to Get Ready for your First Eye Examination? Having an eye examination usually involves nothing complicated. It is a good idea to take with you your present glasses or contact lens details and to be ready to give a list of any medications as well as any applicable medical or family history. Additionally, it might be helpful to remember any vision changes or symptoms you have had. Dilation may occur during the examination if certain tests are performed. After dilation has been advised, your vision might be temporarily blurred or more sensitive to light. Supporting Healthy Vision The initial eye examination is a valuable chance to determine a baseline for your eye health and understand your specific vision needs. Regular eye exams help monitor changes over time and support early detection of possible eye conditions. Plan a visit with an eye care professional if you have discovered any changes in your vision or if you're due for a check-up.

Children’s Vision Milestones: What Parents Should Watch For

August 28, 2026
Healthy vision is essential for a child's development, learning, and daily activities. From recognizing faces in infancy to reading, participating in sports, and navigating school, children depend on their eyesight to interpret and relate to their environment. Knowing typical vision milestones helps parents spot possible issues and seek appropriate care when needed. How Does Vision Develop in Children? Vision develops rapidly during the first years of life. Newborns perceive light, shapes, and nearby objects, although their vision remains immature. As children mature, their capacity to focus, track moving objects, recognize details, and coordinate both eyes improves progressively. Due to the gradual nature of visual development, regular eye examinations are essential. Certain childhood vision problems may not be readily apparent, especially when one eye is stronger than the other. Although each child develops at an individual pace, several general vision milestones may guide parental observation. 1. Infants: Birth to 12 Months Within the first year, infants typically develop the ability to focus on faces and objects, visually track moving items, and reach for objects they observe. Caregivers may also observe infants responding to known faces and visually exploring their environment. If an infant does not track objects, exhibits eyes that frequently cross or wander, or fails to respond visually to people or objects, these concerns should be discussed with a pediatrician or eye care professional. 2. Toddlers: Ages 1 to 3 As children become more active, their visual skills continue to develop. Toddlers rely on vision to walk, climb, manipulate small objects, and interact with toys. Over time, they typically improve in identifying familiar people and objects and in coordinating eye and hand movements. Frequent eye rubbing, squinting, sitting close to screens, or difficulty seeing objects could indicate the need for an eye exam. 3. Preschool and School-Age Children By preschool and early elementary school, children utilize vision for detailed activities including coloring, drawing, letter recognition, reading, and participating in games. Effective eye coordination and focusing abilities support learning and classroom performance. Children may not always realize their vision differs from other children’s, so parents should watch for signs such as headaches, avoiding reading, losing their place while reading, holding books unusually close, or struggling to see the board. Signs of Possible Vision Problems Caregivers should monitor for changes in a child's vision or behavior. Potential warning signs include: Frequent squinting or eye rubbing Eyes that cross, wander, or do not move together Complaints of blurry or double vision Frequent headaches Difficulty reading or concentrating Sitting very close to a television or screen Tilting or turning the head to see Covering or closing one eye Difficulty recognizing objects or seeing at a distance Avoiding activities that require close or distance vision If you notice these signs, speak with a pediatrician or eye care professional. The Importance of Children’s Eye Exams Regular eye examinations can identify vision problems before they interfere with learning and development. Eye care professionals assess visual acuity, binocular coordination, and common childhood eye conditions. Early detection matters because some vision problems are easier to address when identified in childhood. Parents must follow their child’s healthcare provider's recommendations for vision screenings and comprehensive eye exams. Helping Protect Your Child’s Vision Caregivers can promote healthy vision by encouraging beneficial habits. These include spending time outdoors, taking regular screen breaks, using appropriate protective eyewear during activities, maintaining a balanced diet, and attending recommended pediatric and eye care appointments. Supporting Healthy Vision at Every Age Knowing children's vision milestones helps caregivers distinguish typical development and spot possible issues early. Throughout infancy and the school years, monitoring how a child sees, focuses, and interacts with their environment is vital for supporting healthy development.  If you notice concerns about a child's eyesight or alterations in vision, consult a healthcare provider or eye care professional. Early attention to vision supports learning, development, confidence, and overall quality of life.

The Connection Between Diabetes and Eye Health

July 29, 2026
Diabetes affects various parts of the body, including your eyes. Keeping your blood sugar under control is not just good for your health overall, but it also helps protect your eyesight. Over time, high blood sugar can irritate the tiny blood vessels in your eyes and increase your risk of serious eye problems. Knowing how diabetes and eye health are linked can help you identify issues and take measures to protect your sight. How Does Diabetes Affect Eye Health? When blood sugar stays high, it can damage the blood vessels in the retina, which is the part of your eye that senses light and helps you see. Damaged blood vessels might leak fluid, swell, or change how well the retina works. Diabetic eye problems usually develop slowly, so you might not pick up on any changes in your vision until significant damage has occurred. That’s why it’s important for people with diabetes to get regular eye exams, even if their eyesight seems fine. Common Eye Conditions Linked to Diabetes People with diabetes are more likely to have certain eye problems. Finding and treating these issues early can lower the chance of losing vision permanently. 1. Diabetic Retinopathy Diabetic retinopathy is a common eye issue that happens when high blood sugar damages the retinal blood vessels. These damaged vessels may leak fluid, which may cause blurry vision, dark spots, or changes in how you see. In advanced cases, abnormal blood vessel growth can lead to serious problems. If diabetic retinopathy worsens, new abnormal blood vessels can grow, causing serious problems, including vision loss. Getting regular eye exams can help catch these changes early, before they become severe. When fluid is retained in the macula (part of the retina which focuses on sharp central vision), this swelling can make it harder to read, recognize faces, or see fine details clearly. When detected early, treatments can help reduce swelling and protect your eyesight. 3. Cataracts People with diabetes have a higher chance of getting cataracts early. Cataracts occur when the lens in your eye becomes cloudy, which can cause blurry vision, increased sensitivity to glare, and difficulty seeing clearly. While cataracts come with age, having diabetes can make them appear sooner or progress quicker. 4. Glaucoma Diabetes can also raise your risk for glaucoma, which is a group of eye diseases that harm the optic nerve. Glaucoma usually starts without any clear symptoms, but if it is not treated, it can cause permanent vision loss. Routine regular eye exams are important for finding glaucoma early and keeping your eyes healthy Diabetes-related eye problems might not cause symptoms at first. Still, there are some warning signs you should look out for: • Blurry or distorted vision • Difficulty focusing • Dark spots, floaters, or shadows in your sight • Increased sensitivity to glare • Trouble seeing colors clearly • Sudden alterations in vision • Partial or complete loss of vision If you notice sudden vision changes, contact an eye doctor as soon as possible. The Value of Regular Eye Exams for People With Diabetes Getting a full eye exam is one of the best ways to protect your vision if you have diabetes. During the examination, your physician will study your retina, look for symptoms of diabetic eye disease, and track any changes over time. Many eye problems linked to diabetes can be treated more easily if they are found early. Regular checkups help your eye doctor give you advice that fits your own eye health and diabetes care. Protecting Your Eyes When You Have Diabetes Looking after your general health is important for keeping your eyes healthy. Here are some things you can do to protect your vision: • Keeping blood sugar levels under control • Managing blood pressure and cholesterol • Scheduling regular diabetic eye exams • Following your diabetes treatment plan • Eating a balanced diet that promotes eye health • Avoiding smoking, which increases the risk of eye complications Prioritizing Your Vision and Eye Health Diabetes and eye health are closely linked, but you can lower your risk of serious vision problems by taking action early. Getting regular eye exams, making healthy choices, and managing your diabetes all help protect your eyesight. If you have diabetes, seeing your eye doctor regularly can help catch changes early and keep your vision clear for the future. Your eyes are a key part of your health, so make caring for them a priority at every age.