As each person is different, the symptoms after LASIK eye surgery can be different for each patient. However, immediately after uncomplicated LASIK procedure, you should expect some very common temporary symptoms that should resolve within a few days either spontaneously or by the use of medications for some time.
Discomfort or Pain after LASIK
Immediately after your LASIK procedure, your eye may burn, itch, or feel like there is something in it for a couple of days. You may experience some discomfort, or in some cases, mild pain. Your doctor may suggest you take a mild pain reliever.
You will instinctively want to rub your eye, but do not. If you rub or bump the eye, the LASIK flap may become dislodged, requiring repositioning and further treatment.
Blurry or Hazy vision after LASIK
Most patients achieve good vision the day of LASIK eye surgery. However, right after the procedure, you should expect your vision to be blurry or hazy for a day or two, do not worry; this is a normal part of the healing process and your vision will gradually clear.
Why your vision is blurry right after LASIK?
The eye drops used before or during LASIK surgery cause some blurring. In addition, there is extra water within your cornea after the LASIK treatment, this make you see as if you are looking behind water. In about 4-5 hours, the vision will be clearer.
Why your vision fluctuates after LASIK?
Your eyes need time to heal after LASIK and this time is variable between patients. While your eyes are healing, it is normal for your vision to go back and forth between clear and blurry phases for several weeks. However, vision will continue to improve, and best possible vision can still take two to three months to occur, especially with higher degrees of refractive errors.
Subconjunctival hemorrhage (blood) after LASIK
The conjunctiva contains many small, fragile blood vessels that are easily ruptured or broken. When this happens, blood leaks into the space between the conjunctiva and sclera (white of the eye). Occasionally, those blood vessels may rupture during LASIK eye surgery, resulting in bleeding under the conjunctiva.
Do not worry; this is a harmless and self-limited side effect of LASIK surgery. Like a bruise on the skin, a subconjunctival hemorrhage spontaneously resolves with time. It may take a couple of weeks to resolve completely.
Light Sensitivity, Glare, Starbursts or Haloes around Lights
Just after LASIK, you may feel your eyes irritated when exposed to bright lights indoors or outdoors. Your surgeon will usually recommend that you wear an eye shield for the first few hours after surgery to help your cornea heal and to protect the eye from bright lighting. In addition, some patients observe a glare, starbursts or haloes around lights after LASIK surgery. In most cases, theses symptoms will fade away over time. However, in some cases, a LASIK enhancement (a second LASIK procedure) may be required to correct this problem.
Finally, it is very important after LASIK eye surgery that you follow the instructions your doctor has given you. Symptoms mentioned above should improve two or three days after LASIK eye surgery. If your symptoms get worse or if you have severe pain, you should contact your doctor immediately.