What is the recovery process like after Epi-LASIK?

Doctor's Answers 3

Hi Z

Recently I wrote an answer about the recovery process after TransPRK.

The recovery process after epi-LASIK is essentially the same as the above, as would be the case for any other form of 'surface' surgery like PRK. After epi-LASIK, the corneal surface is exposed and this leads to about 2 days of eye pain/discomfort and tearing.

Once the surface is covered by healing 'epithelial cells', the pain disappears-generally on the second or third day after surgery. However, vision could be blurry for a few weeks to sometimes a few months. Once the eye has fully healed from the third month or so onwards, visual quality is the same as what you would get with LASIK.

Most people would consider taking about a week off work after epi-LASIK, because of the eye discomfort as well as the blurry vision. Although the blurry vision might make looking at screens difficult, the light itself is not harmful and it is OK to look at screens for short periods, as far as eye comfort allows.

Advice regarding when to resume activities like Hot Yoga and Eyelash Extensions may vary somewhat between clinics. However, in general it would be good to avoid heavy exercise with perspiration in the first week after epi-LASIK while the corneal surface heals and while a bandage contact lens is still in the eye. Eyelash extensions are probably best avoided for a month after surgery.

Epi--LASIK, as with most other forms of advanced surface ablation procedure, usually takes anything from between 5 and 8 days after surgery to return to near normal activities. The initial 3 days are usually marginally functional in terms of vision quality and patients do experience moderate levels of discomfort. By day 3, the comfort does improve dramatically but the vision continues to fluctuate until day 7 or 8. Generally, we do advise patients to take time off work for approximately 7 days.

As for activities like hot yoga or eyelash extension application, it would be best to wait at least a week or until your surgeon advises that your corneal epithelium has fully healed in order to reduce the likelihood of infection.

Photo of Dr E-Shawn Goh
Dr E-Shawn Goh

Ophthalmologist

Recovery after epi-lasik is generally considered to be slightly more prolonged and uncomfortable compared to other forms of refractive surgery (including femto-laser Lasik, and / or SMILE / Relex). It is still performed for patients who are not suitable for other forms of refractive surgery for various reasons.

Still, as a bandage contact lens is applied straight after the procedure, and is left in place for at least 5 days post surgery, you are able to return relatively quickly to normal activities including hot yoga, and eyelash extensions, certainly within 5 days from the surgery.

Discuss the exact timings with your Ophthalmologist though. More than anything, some patients experience glare symptoms that make outdoor activities in bright sunlight more difficult, although there is no strict contraindication from participating in these activities.

Best of luck with your refractive surgery procedure!

ESG

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