Health Tip: Recovering From LASIK

What to expect after the eye surgery

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(HealthDay News) -- LASIK eye surgery reduces a person's need to wear glasses or contact lenses. But an improvement in vision often isn't quick.

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The U.S. National Library of Medicine says here's what you can expect after the procedure:

• Initially, the affected eye may burn, itch or feel like you've got something in it. Avoid rubbing the eye under any circumstance.
• You may have hazy or blurry vision on the day of the surgery. But it should subside soon afterward.
• You may need to wear a protective shield over your eye until your follow-up appointment with the doctor, which typically is 24 hours to 48 hours after surgery. If you have severe pain after the procedure, do not wait for the follow-up appointment to call your doctor.
• You shouldn't drive until you can see clearly.
• Avoid using hot tubs or whirlpools, swimming, playing sports, and wearing cosmetics or lotions around the eyes for two to four weeks after the surgery.
• Expect that your vision may not fully stabilize for three to six months.

-- Diana Kohnle