15 LASIK Aftercare Tips

Below, we cover 15 LASIK aftercare tips. Are you just about to undergo a life-changing surgery like LASIK? Or are you still trying to decide and you would like to know more about the recovery process and what you can do to make it go smoothly? If you are apprehensive about LASIK, that is normal. To ease your worries, it is good to know that the process has seen much improvement and refinement over the years. And over 40 million eye patients all over the world have already benefited from it. If you want to make an informed and wise decision for the well-being of your eyes, do not hesitate to contact a trained and skilled eye surgeon in Orange County.

Lasik surgery can provide you with the freedom from the inconvenience and discomfort of wearing glasses or contact lenses all the time. Some people spend so much time looking for their glasses only to find out they are actually around their neck. Some spend so much time putting on and taking off their contact lenses. If you are one of these people, you may be thinking that LASIK is the best gift you can give yourself. While LASIK is described to be minimally invasive and the recovery process is usually quick, there are still some aftercare tips you have to remember and follow if you want a quick and smooth recovery process. Here are 15 LASIK aftercare tips that any LASIK patient should adhere to.

During the first six hours, keep your eyes closed and remember to avoid bright lights.
Take the pain medicine prescribed by your surgeon. Follow instructions.
Apply prescribed eye drops according to your surgeon’s instructions.
Rest. A few days off work will be good for your eyes and your body.
Avoid reading, watching TV, or any kind of screen time during the first 24 hours. You may resume reading and computer activities after 48 to 72 hours, beginning with light use of your eyes and then slowly going back to regular use.
Wear a protective eye shield, especially at night.
Avoid showering for the first 24 hours. Ensure that no soap, shampoo residue, or non-sterile water gets into your eyes when it is okay to shower.
Avoid contact sports and no swimming for the first two weeks.
Stay away from makeup, facial creams, and lotions for the first two weeks.
Do not rub your eyes.
Protect your eyes from dust, dirt, and other fine particles.
Protect your eyes from UV rays using sunglasses.
Regularly see your surgeon on the scheduled follow-up appointments.
Stick to the recovery plan given by your surgeon.
Contact your surgeon immediately should you notice any problem or cause for worry.

What to Expect After LASIK Surgery

First Six Hours

Your vision may be blurry for six hours, but it usually clears up the next day. Slight pain or discomfort is normal.

First 24 Hours

You will see your surgeon for your first post-op visit. This is to ensure that your eyes are healing within schedule.

You may still experience some soreness and tenderness.

First 2 Weeks

If you are healing within schedule, you may have returned to your pre-LASIK everyday routine, working, driving, or going on light errands.

Strenuous activities, contact sports, and water-based activities should still be avoided, as well as places with dust and smoke.

First Month

The swelling of your eyes is expected to have subsided, and the clarity of your vision should have improved.

Granted that your follow-up exams are satisfactory and your eyes are healing well, you may go back to your usual leisure and sports activities like traveling, swimming, running, playing tennis, and snowboarding. If you like lifting weights, however, you may need to check with your surgeon as this may disrupt your healing progress.

You may also go back to using makeup as long as you are practicing good makeup hygiene.

3 to 6 Months

Healing is still taking place, and you will continue to experience an improvement in your vision. Expect your vision to be clear on the 6th month. Severely nearsighted patients may take a longer time to heal.

You may experience very little to no discomfort or side effects.

Show up for your scheduled follow-up visits to your surgeon and adhere to the recovery plan as outlined by your surgeon.

Will Driving Be a Problem?

You will not be able to drive on the day of your surgery, so bring a trusted friend or family member to drive you to the clinic and back home. Your first post-operative check-up is the day after surgery, when your vision will be checked. If your surgeon determines that you have legal driving vision, you will get your clearance to drive. Otherwise, you will need to wait for a few more days.

Are You Ready for LASIK?

If you are worried about the recovery process or just exploring LASIK as a possible option to solve your vision problems, it would be better to talk to a skilled and experienced surgeon who can address all your questions and concerns. Contact us for a complimentary consultation.