My active lifestyle
When can I return to pickleball?
Typically, exercise can resume within a couple of days, while sports involving potential eye trauma may require more time. Follow your surgeon's specific instructions.
Can I swim after surgery?
Swimming should generally be avoided during the early healing period (a week or so) because pools, lakes, oceans, and hot tubs can expose the eyes to microorganisms and irritants. It is recommended to wear swim goggles for protection whenever you swim, in order to protect the eyes.
Should I wear protective eyewear when playing pickleball?
Yes. Protective sports eyewear is a good precaution, particularly during the early postoperative period.
Can I exercise after surgery?
Usually, light activity can resume relatively quickly, but strenuous exercise should be postponed for several days according to your surgeon's instructions.
My wedding is in two months
Is two months enough time before my wedding?
Many patients achieve excellent vision well before two months. Your surgeon can advise whether your timeline is appropriate.
Will my vision be stable by my wedding?
It often is, but some patients experience temporary fluctuations in vision during healing.
Could I still have dry eyes at my wedding?
Dryness is one of the more common temporary side effects and can sometimes persist for several weeks or longer. It is recommended to lubricate your eyes a few times a day for several weeks.
Could I experience halos or glare at night?
Some patients experience halos, glare, early after surgery. These symptoms often improve and subside as the eyes heal.
Makeup and wedding preparation
When can I wear eye makeup again?
Usually after the initial healing period, but your surgeon will give you specific instructions.
When can I use mascara and eyeliner?
You will generally need to wait several days to a couple of weeks, depending on the procedure and your healing.
Can I get eyelash extensions?
It is generally best to avoid them during the early recovery period because of irritation and infection concerns.
Can I have professional makeup applied for my wedding?
Usually yes once your eyes have sufficiently healed. Make sure your makeup artist follows good hygiene practices.
Dry eye and comfort
Will laser vision correction cause dry eyes?
Dry eye can occur temporarily after surgery. Your surgeon will assess your tear film and ocular surface before treatment.
Does wearing contacts increase my risk of dry eye?
Long-term contact lens wear can be associated with ocular-surface symptoms, so your surgeon should evaluate your eyes carefully before surgery.
How long does dryness last?
It varies. Many patients improve over weeks, while some may experience symptoms longer.
Will I need artificial tears?
Many patients use lubricating eye drops during recovery. Your surgeon will recommend the appropriate drops and frequency.
Risks and results
What are the most common side effects?
Temporary dryness, fluctuating vision, light sensitivity, temporary night glare and halos, and temporary discomfort can occur.
Are there serious complications?
Serious complications are uncommon, but they can occur. Your surgeon should explain the specific risks associated with your eyes and procedure.
Could I need an enhancement?
Rarely, some patients may require a touch-up if their vision does not achieve the perfect desired correction or changes over time. Less than 1% of all patients who have the procedure will need a touch-up.
Long-term
How long will the results last?
Laser vision correction permanently reshapes the cornea, but your eyes can sometimes naturally change over time.
Will I eventually need reading glasses?
Most people eventually develop presbyopia with age, even if they have had excellent distance vision after LASIK, SMILE, or PRK. Luckily, we do have other surgical treatments that we can offer so you do not have to wear reading glasses.
Can I still have cataract surgery later?
Yes. Having laser vision correction does not prevent future cataract surgery, although your surgeon will need to know your previous surgical history.
Choosing your surgeon
How experienced are you with this procedure?
Ask how many procedures the surgeon performs and how frequently they perform the specific procedure being recommended for you.
What are your enhancement and complication rates?
A reputable surgeon should be willing to discuss their outcomes and explain how they compare with expected results.
What technology will you use?
Ask which laser and diagnostic technologies will be used and how they are used to customize your treatment.
Will you personally perform my surgery and personally oversee my recovery?
Ask who will perform each part of your procedure and who will provide your postoperative care.
