Taking care of your eyes after LASIK eye surgery is of utmost importance if you want to protect your eyes from harm and reap the full benefits of your surgery (see What is LASIK Eye Surgery?). Your doctor should provide you with detailed instructions on how to care for your eyes after surgery, but here are some general tips on how to care for your eyes when you are recovering from LASIK.
Don’t overdo it.
Be sure to get plenty of rest immediately after your surgery. Rest does not simply mean lying down and watching television. Remember, it is your eyes that will need rest. For this reason, it is important to avoid watching television, reading or using a computer for at least 24 hours after your surgery.
Don’t wear eye makeup or use face lotions.
Eye makeup and face lotions may get into your eye and increase your risk for infection. The safest way to let your eyes heal is to avoid putting substances near your eye that could cause infection. Makeup and face lotions should not be applied for at least two weeks after surgery.
Don’t participate in strenuous exercise or contact sports.
Jolting of the eye caused by active exercise or contact sports can traumatize the eye and impede healing while you are recovering from LASIK. Doctors recommend waiting at least a month before participating in contact sports or engaging in rigorous exercise.
Don’t rub your eyes.
Rubbing your eyes while you are recovering from LASIK eye surgery may dislodge the corneal flap. This can result in a whole host of unforeseen consequences, like an irregularly shaped eye surface. In order to prevent corneal flap-related problems, it is imperative that you not rub your eyes. To prevent inadvertent rubbing at night, you will be given a protective eye shield to wear while you are sleeping.
Don’t swim or go in hot tubs.
Water, steam and chlorine can all impede your eye’s ability to heal itself. All water activities should be avoided for at least 8 weeks after surgery.
Do not wear contact lenses.
It is important that your eyes are fully recovered before using contact lenses. While most LASIK patients do not need corrective lenses after surgery, some people still like to use them for cosmetic reasons (e.g., change the color of their eye, change the shape of their pupil, etc). A general rule of thumb is to wait at least 6 months after surgery before trying to wear contact lenses; however, LASIK patients should always consult their doctor before resuming use of contacts.
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The above tips are general guidelines on how to take care of your eyes after LASIK eye surgery and should not be considered medical advice. Always follow your doctor’s instructions after LASIK eye surgery. Be sure to go to all follow up appointments with your ophthalmologist and contact him or her immediately if any complications arise during your recovery.
