Returning To Work After
Lasik, All-Laser Lasik, PRK, LASEK, Epi-Lasik, CK, P-IOL, RLE, etc.

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When you can return to work after refractive surgery will depend on the type of refractive surgery, the amount of refractive error, what complications are present after surgery (if any), and the type of work you do. Refractive surgery often is more a six-month process than a 20-Minute Miracle Although many refractive surgery patients are back to work the next day, others have great difficulty for days and weeks.

It is reported that hat Lasik, All-Laser Lasik, CK, and Intacs provide clarity almost immediately after surgery while PRK, LASEK, and Epi-Lasik may take a few days to weeks.

It is not unusual for the immediate post-operative presence of complications such as ghosts, arcs, starbursts, halos, regular and irregular astigmatism, and other potential problems that can significantly reduce clarity from a short period of time to permanently. Usually these symptoms dissipate with healing over a period of weeks or months, however additional treatment may be necessary if such problems occur.

The IOL based P-IOL and RLE are significantly more invasive surgeries than Lasik, All-Laser Lasik, CK, Intacs, PRK, LASEK or Epi-Lasik and have a very different and longer recovery period.

Working at a computer seems to be problematic for some people after refractive surgery. The distance from the monitor and the nature of projected light seems to cause fatigue and even headaches. People tend to not blink as often when working long hours at a computer. Strenuous work or work that might cause injury to your eye should be avoided until the eye has healed enough to withstand the normal risk of trauma. It is very important that the eye is protected from being hit, poked, or rubbed. If you are an athlete, don't expect your doctor to okay you standing at bat with a baseball being thrown near your head at 70 miles per hour. If you are a gardener you will need to refrain from work or wear protective goggles for some time. Everyone's individual situation needs to be evaluated based upon the probability of contact with the eye. Because of possible fluctuation in your vision immediately post-operative you should avoid long periods that would require detailed use of your eyes.

Since every person is different and every situation is unique, it will be necessary to discuss with a competent doctor the probable recover period and when the patient can return to work.