Blurry Vision After Lasik

Question

I had lasik surgery on both eyes on Friday, Feb 11, 2011. The Dr said that everything is healing as planned. My vision is blurry for near and alittle for far (I was far-sighted). He told me although most patients see immediate results, some do take longer to heal. I been very anxious about the healing and am afraid that the surgery just didn't work for me. No doubt that I could see better with my contacts. Could this blurriness be normal? I am squinting to see better, any advice?

Mazin Yaldo, MD · Answer

Lasik may seem like a very simple procedure with the way it is marketed nowadays and the short procedure time. In reality it involves a very complex process of reshaping the eye that may take up to 2-3 weeks to fully complete and for your brain to adjust depending on the form of Lasik you had. It is very normal to feel a tad farsighted if you are originally nearsighted for example. 
Some patients come into our clinic and are super nervous for their Lasik surgery. After the surgery they don't see perfect clarity in their vision and their anxiety grows, as it confirms all their pre-operative fears. I usually advise these patients to give it more time and just stay calm. Low and behold they always come back weeks later ecstatic about their vision and acting like they were never worried at all. you are most likely one of these patients, and I advise you do the same.

Thomas Jones, MD · Answer

Some patients, especially those who are far-sighted (hyperopes), do take longer to heal and stabilize.

Lee Katzman, MD · Answer

Hyperopic (or far-sighted) lasik is a different beast from myopic (near-sighted) lasik (which is far more common). When you hear about friends getting lasik and waking up the next morning and having perfect vision...that’s almost always myopic lasik. Myopes get 95% of their vision in the first 24 hours. Hyperopes heal differently and can take 3-6 months to stabilize. I find that +1 to +1.5 D do extremely well and have a majority of their vision in the first week. Beyond this power, I have seen improvement out at 6 months even! There are some age considerations as well, because a 50+ year old will enjoy the vision they have transiently while recovering (they become nearsighted temporarily). A 30 year, not quite as much. Expectation management on the front end (by the doctor) is critical. Overall, time is on your side. If vision isn’t right after about 6 months your surgeon will likely offer you an enhancement.

Michael K. Tracy, MD · Answer

Far sighted people do take longer to stabilize after LASIK surgery and the outcomes are slightly less predictable, but still excellent. Vision after a hyperopic (far sighted) LASIK can continue to improve for a year. If the vision is still not clear after that time most likely the patient still has some residual refractive error and may require an enhancement or something else is going on (dry eyes, cataracts, etc). The best course is to have a thorough exam by your surgeon.

Christopher Coad, MD · Answer

Some patients, especially those who are far-sighted (hyperopes), do take longer as the corneal shape is steepened by the laser treatment rather than flattened as it is in near-sighted (myopic) patients.

Blurry Vision After Lasik

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Answer: Blurry Vision After LASIK

Answer: Blurry Vision After LASIK

Answer: Some patients to take longer to heal from LASIK

Answer: Some patients to take longer to heal from LASIK

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Blurry Vision After Lasik

Answers (10)

Answer: Blurry Vision After LASIK

Answer: Blurry Vision After LASIK

Answer: Some patients to take longer to heal from LASIK

Answer: Some patients to take longer to heal from LASIK

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about LASIK

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.