What to Do After Laser Eye Surgery

Many people with poor eyesight are getting some form of laser eye surgery today. If you or anyone you know is undergoing LASIK eye surgery to improve vision, know that this procedure is relatively quick, easy, and painless. There are also other types of laser surgeries like PRK and implantable contact lenses if you’re not an ideal candidate for LASIK.

Like with other surgeries, it’s important to remember that there are specific dos and don’ts after corrective eye surgery. If you’re on your LASIK surgery recovery period, you have to take some precautions to avoid infections or injuries. Here are some eye surgery aftercare tips to follow.

Follow surgeon’s instructions

After the laser eye surgery, your surgeon will give you specific aftercare instructions along with other restrictions you need to adhere to. To ensure fast healing and recovery, make sure to follow your surgeon’s instructions.

After Surgery Reminders

After the procedure, it’s possible to experience some burning sensation. You may also feel like your eye is itchy or that something is in it. Your doctor may suggest to take a mild pain reliever if you experience some discomfort or mild pain.

If you feel that both your eyes tear or water, you shouldn’t worry as it is a natural reaction. Also, expect your vision to be hazy or blurry. You may also experience sensitivity to light, glare, starbursts or haloes around lights.

The whites of your eye may look red or bloodshot, but this symptom should improve considerably within the first few days following surgery. It’s recommended to take a few days off from work until these symptoms subside. If you experience severe pain, or if your vision gets worse instead of better after a few days, you should contact your doctor immediately.

Use eye drops and medications as prescribed

Eye surgeons usually prescribe medications or eye drops to help with the itching and burning sensation. Take your eye medications as prescribed to ease any post-op symptoms you may be experiencing. Unless directed by your surgeon, do not discontinue using them.

Take time to rest your eyes

After your laser surgery, you may be surprised to find yourself still so full of energy. However, it’s important to rest your eyes even though you may be feeling wired and active. Give your eyes some time to heal. Don’t overwork your eyes so as not to strain them. The last thing you want is to experience discomfort after your eye surgery.

Keep off electronic devices for the mean time

In connection with what’s mentioned above, another eye surgery aftercare tip you should not ignore is keeping off electronic devices. Your gadgets can strain your eyes and cause them to dry out. As such, shut off your tablet, leave the TV off, and keep phone away for at least 24-48 hours post-surgery.

After this waiting period, you have to use lubricating eye drops to keep your eyes from drying out. Keep applying drops until your eyes are fully healed.

Don’t try to read

This may sound disappointing to those who love reading, but do avoid reading a book, magazine, or other printed materials during your recovery period. Reading any type of print media can place a strain on your eyes as they have to focus on the text. Remember that this setup is only temporary, and a little sacrifice won’t hurt.

Once your eyes are fully healed, you can enjoy all the benefits of having an improved vision. Not to mention, you can read any book, magazine, or printed material you want. But while your eyes are still recovering, keep them off the page.

Wear UV-protective sunglasses

It’s worth emphasising that the eyes will be sensitive post-surgery like when having them dilated. Avoid bright light outdoors and indoors until your eyes heal. If you need to go outside, make sure to use UV-protective sunglasses.

Don’t take a shower

As a general rule of thumb, taking a shower after a LASIK eye surgery is a big no. This is because the water and steam from the shower are not good for the eyes. So, instead of taking a shower, just take a bath. Also, avoid steam rooms and saunas. You also can’t go to swimming pools for the time being.

Don’t exercise or play sports

While on your eye surgery recovery period, you have a free pass to skip exercising or playing sports. Depending on the type of exercise and sport, you are exempt from doing any physical activity for a few weeks to a month.

Follow up appointments with your eye surgeon

After your surgery, you will have a follow-up visit with your eye surgeon. Follow-up appointments are usually in about 3-4 weeks post-surgery to monitor the healing process and ensure it is proceeding correctly.

For Eye Concerns, Get in Touch with Sussex Eye Laser Clinic

Be sure to follow the above eye surgery aftercare tips. If you’re looking to improve your vision and are yet to undergo eye surgery, consult our ophthalmologists and eye experts here at Sussex Eye Laser Clinic to see if you are an ideal candidate.

Get in touch with us on 01273 083780. You may also email us at info@sussexeyelaserclinic.co.uk for more information.