Precautions After LASIK Laser Eye Surgery
Eye irritation, dry eye, watering/tearing, or feeling like something is in the eye, are common post-surgery symptoms. An over-the-counter pain reliever may be suggested to alleviate mild discomfort. As part of your laser eye surgery aftercare, drops may be recommended to combat dry eyes after laser eye surgery. Although most patients enjoy amazing results after laser treatment for eyes, recovery speed depends on how well the patient heals and how much correction was required. Protective eye shields are worn during sleep for several days after laser eye surgery to prevent rubbing. It is very important not to irritate your eyes during the initial healing stage.
Care After Laser Eye Surgery
Most people go back to work in one or two days after laser treatment for eyes. It is important that you follow your eye doctor’s instructions and heed the following restrictions. Practicing proper aftercare will shorten recovery time after laser eye surgery and help to eliminate potential problems.
- When outdoors, wear protective sunglasses for at least the first week after eye laser surgery.
- Limit reading time for the first few days after laser treatment for eyes.
- For the first week, do not wear any type of eye makeup.
- Do not touch or rub your eyes for a month after laser eye surgery.
- Avoid any physical exertion or exercise for one week.
- Avoid hot tubs, whirlpools, and swimming anywhere, for a week after eye laser treatment.
- Stay away from dusty environments and avoid gardening activities for one week.
- Do not participate in contact sports that may result in eye injury for at least one month.
Your eye doctor will inform you when the after effects of laser eye treatment have subsided enough for you to drive safely, which usually follows after just one day of recovery.
Laser Eye Surgery Aftercare: 10 Dos & Don’ts After Laser Eye Surgery
Undergoing LASIK eye surgery to improve your vision is relatively quick, easy, and painless. This is why so many people are getting some form of laser eye surgery today. Even if they are not an ideal candidate for LASIK, there are other types of laser surgeries like PRK and implantable contact lenses. The important thing to remember is that laser eye surgery is still surgery and there are specific dos and don’ts after laser eye surgery which you will want to follow during your LASIK surgery recovery period or other laser surgery recovery period.
Your surgeon will give you specific aftercare instructions along with other restrictions after laser eye surgery. Make sure to follow these to ensure successful healing and recovery.
If your eye surgeon prescribed medications or eye drops, take them as recommended and do not discontinue using them unless directed by your surgeon.
Even though you may be wired and full of energy after your laser surgery, it is important to rest your eyes and give them time to heal.
You will need to put the phone done, shut off the tablet, leave the TV off, and stay off the computer for at least 24-48 hours post-surgery. Video screens can strain the eyes and cause them to dry out. Even after this waiting period, you may need to use lubricating eye drops for a short time until the eyes are fully healed.
You should avoid any type of print media as well during your recovery period. Your eyes have to focus on the text, and this can place a strain on the eyes.
You can take a bath but not a shower because the water and steam from the shower are not good for your eye post-surgery. You should also avoid steam rooms, saunas, and swimming pools.
Your eyes will be sensitive post-surgery like when having them dilatated. You want to avoid bright light outdoors and indoors until the eyes heal.
You should not use any eye makeup for about a week or so after your laser eye surgery.
This is one time you are given a free pass to skip exercising or playing sports for a few weeks to a month, depending on the type of exercise and sport.
You will have a follow-up visit the day after your surgery. It is not uncommon to have another follow-up in about 3-4 weeks post-surgery, and another follow-up at 6 months. These appointments monitor the healing process to ensure it is proceeding correctly.