Today was my one month post Lasik procedure follow up appointment with my eye doctor. My eyes are doing well. They have reverted a bit back to nearsightedness, but it is a very small reversal. Dr. Midson reminded me that 10-15% of Lasik patients need to go back for a redo. Her thoughts right now are that I probably won’t be one of those patients. She will check my vision again at the 3 month follow-up visit.
As of now, my eyes together are 20/20. Apart, the left eye is a bit more nearsighted but not enough to justify a redo at this point. Fingers crossed that my eyes will stay at 20/20.
Dr. Midson gave me the clear to move to bottled eye drops vs the vials. She also gave me specific drops to use in the AM and PM (so twice a day). The Systane Balance eye drops
Since I have had a month to experience Lasik, I did have some questions for the doctor. She was very helpful and open with her responses.
Doctor Q & A
Question: How long will my eyes be dry?
Answer: 2 – 3 months, given I did not suffer from dry eye prior to Lasik. If it lasts longer than that, Dr. Midson will consider putting in temporary (3-mpnth) plugs to help the healing process.
Question: How long will my eyes be sensitive to indoor lighting and any moving air?
Answer: This is related to the dry eyes. As soon as the eyes heal and are watering normally they will not be sensitive to the light or moving air.
Question: How long will my eyes be tender if I accidentally bump my eye through my eyelid?
Answer: There really shouldn’t be any tenderness, as the eye itself has really begun to heal over. So, the bump shouldn’t feel any more unusual than before Lasik.
Question: When can I let water stream on my face in the shower?
Answer: Now. The one month mark should be more than enough for your eyes to heal. Just make sure the water and soap don’t get in your eyes.
Question: How long will it be before eyes stop getting tired towards the end of the day?
Answer: Make sure to wear readers at the computer and when reading. Your eyes and brain are adjusting, just like if you purchased high heeled shoes for the first time, or new skies, etc. You have to adjust. You have been nearsighted most of your life, and had glasses for that. Now your brain is wrapping itself around the concept of seeing distance.
Question: How can I best protect my eyes on our vacation where it will be hot and sunny?
Answer: Sunglasses at all times. Baseball cap to shade the eyes. Lots and lots of drops!
Question: Why are my reading glasses making me “dizzy?”
Answer: Even reading glasses should be prescribed. Cheap ones do not necessarily center with your pupil and eye curve. If it is a bit off it could make you a bit dizzy. Store bought ones are ok, but if you are really having problems plan get ones from an eye doctor.
Daily Observations
- Eyes tired by end of day.
- Need to force myself to take breaks from the computer to rest eyes.
- Still using a box of eye drops per week.
- Eyes less sensitive to indoor light.
- Using +0.50 reading glasses (probably could have used lower at +0.25).
- Slight headaches when not resting eyes.
- Still protecting eyes when doing anything dusty (like cleaning) or outdoors.
- Current Lasik total cost: Visits + Products = $4141.00
Post-Lasik: When Can You Wear Eye Makeup?