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Warning-sign checks

LASIK eye surgery: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Sudden flashes, many new floaters, or a dark curtain across your vision require emergency eye assessment.

    These symptoms are not a normal part of LASIK recovery and may indicate a retinal problem.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Contact your surgical team promptly if routine symptoms are getting worse rather than better, or if you have increasing redness, discharge, swelling, pain, light sensitivity, or worsening blurred vision.

    Seek urgent eye care the same day for severe pain, a sudden drop in vision, or an eye injury after surgery.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has a wound that is hot, spreading red, or leaking pus
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    For routine questions about dryness, drop use, work, exercise, or expected visual changes, contact the clinic during normal hours or discuss them at your scheduled follow-up.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on LASIK eye surgery. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.