LASIK surgery is a type of laser eye surgery designed to permanently correct a person's vision. If a person is a good candidate for LASIK surgery, he or she will typically no longer need to wear glasses or contacts after the procedure. Since LASIK surgery is done on an outpatient basis and does not take long to complete, it is a very popular procedure that has produced great results. However, it is important to note that there is a recovery period following LASIK surgery. If you are interested in LASIK surgery, continue reading to learn more about what to expect as you recover from the procedure.

Eye Discomfort and Pain

While LASIK surgery is considered very safe and effective, many people do experience eye discomfort and mild pain following the procedure. This is nothing to be alarmed about -- in most cases, the discomfort and pain will subside within a few hours. It is highly recommended that you go home and take a nap following LASIK surgery, and when you wake up your eyes should feel better. Many people report feeling like there is something in their eyes following LASIK surgery and this is due to the corneal flap that is made during the procedure. Even if the sensation is irritating, it is extremely important to not run your eyes following LASIK surgery.

Dry Eyes

It is very common for people to experience dry eyes for a few days following LASIK surgery. During this time period, it is important to use the artificial tears provided to you by your LASIK surgeon to keep your eyes lubricated. You will also need to be diligent about administering the prescription eyes drops that are prescribed to help minimize inflammation and prevent your eyes from getting infected after the surgery.

Red Eyes

Some people will have red eyes following LASIK surgery, and in some cases, small, dark red spots may be visible on the whites of the eyes. This is simply a side effect of the laser surgery and is not permanent. Eye redness typically clears up in a few days, and if you have red spots on the whites of your eyes, they should disappear within a couple of weeks when your eyes are completely healed.

Blurry Vision

Most people who undergo LASIK surgery have an almost immediate improvement in their vision. But, it is possible for some patients to experience blurry vision after the procedure. This is especially true of patients who wore very high prescription glasses or contacts. Any blurriness in vision should subside within a couple of weeks; if you continue to have issues with blurry vision, contact a medical office like The Eye Center.