When it comes to vision correction procedures, LASIK is arguably one of the most popular, with millions performed all over the United States. And for a good reason: it can significantly improve vision quality while reducing reliance on contact lenses or glasses. But maximizing its benefits can hinge on the patient’s responsibility for post-operative care. With that said, here are some tips to help you ensure that you get the intended outcome.
Limit activities
As is the case with many other surgeries, you’ll need to limit activities after LASIK and give yourself time to recover, like reading, using the computer, or driving. The surgeon usually provides a detailed timeline before or after the procedure. Following it will allow your vision to heal up and stabilize much quicker than it otherwise would have.
You’ll also need to steer clear of physical activities like gardening or sports for at least a week to mitigate the possibility of potentially dislodging your corneal flap created in the course of the procedure. Sunglasses with UVB and UVA-blocking lenses are also essential if you plan to go out because squinting and the sun may result in a corneal haze.
Avoid rubbing your eyes
There’s no denying that the eyes are fast-healing organs. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that they can repair themselves instantaneously. Generally, the corneal flap’s edges will heal within a few days. So you’ll want to be careful until it does and avoid rubbing your eyes at least a week after you’ve done the procedure. Try to wear goggle-style glasses if you’re concerned about potentially rubbing your eyes as you sleep. It will make a difference.
Always consult with your doctor
If you feel discomfort after the operation, especially if you have any pre-existing conditions like dry eyes, always consult your doctor first and not self-medicate. After all, self-medication and treatment are never a good idea, as you’ll only risk doing yourself more harm than good. By talking with a professional first, you’ll gain more insight that’ll allow you to overcome any problems or concerns.
Take the prescribed lubricating drops and medications
You must follow your doctor’s advice and take the prescribed medications and eye drops like Eysuvis treatment for dry eye inflammation. Beyond healing your eyes properly, they can also help you avoid any infections and swelling, ensuring that you get a favorable outcome. You must also be sure that you keep to every scheduled appointment and follow-ups. The ophthalmologist can find and treat any potential problems, monitor the process of your healing, and ensure that your vision is tested accordingly.
Avoid dusty and smoky environments
The environment you’re in is also another factor affecting your recovery. For example, areas that are dusty or smoky can make eye irritation more likely, which can potentially set your recovery back—if not affect the results of the surgery. For this reason, you’ll want to steer clear of these places until you’ve fully healed up. In this way, you’ll help your eyes recover much quicker than they otherwise would have if you exposed yourself to these conditions.
Don’t drive until you’ve recovered
Low light situations and night vision issues are pretty common after a LASIK surgery. They usually last for the first couple of weeks. Therefore, it’s recommended that you avoid getting behind the wheel and driving, especially at night. Instead, stick to public transportation or have family and friends drive you until you’ve fully healed up. As the saying goes, it’s always better to stay safe than sorry.
Don’t wear make-up
Cosmetic products like make-up may have chemicals that could irritate the eyes. By putting them on, you’ll increase the risks of getting them into your eyes. So be sure not to wear them first. It will save you from a lot of trouble.
Choose comfortable settings for your mobile devices
It can be tough to use a smartphone or tablet while you’re recovering from LASIK surgery. As such, it makes sense to ensure that your mobile device’s settings are at a comfortable level, whether it’s turning down the brightness or enlarging the size of the text messages. Doing so will allow you to reduce the post-op dry eyes and eye strain.
Try to stick with non-visual entertainment
Most eye doctors will recommend that you give your eyes a rest from looking at screens for a while after a LASIK surgery. Fortunately, you can keep yourself entertained with non-visual modes of entertainment, such as audiobooks or podcasts, for example. Try to fight the urge to start watching movies or playing video games right after your surgery—you’ll recover faster.
Don’t take a shower first
Taking a bath is fine, but you must avoid showers because the steam and water from them may not be suitable for post-operative care. You must also keep away from saunas, swimming pools, and steam rooms. It may sound like a lot of things to eschew from, but it will allow you to avoid any potential problems that could delay your recovery or prevent it and do more damage to your eyes.
Have someone with you as your recover
It’s never a good idea to start your routine when your surgery ends. Even if you’re understandably excited to dive back into your daily life, you need to rest so you can recover faster. And this isn’t just letting your vision relax from computer monitors and television screens either—it’s about being physically rested. So make sure that you have someone stay with you for a few days as you recover. This will help you get more rest, which will surely aid in your recovery.
Conclusion
LASIK surgeries can be incredibly helpful. However, their success won’t entirely be determined by the procedure. You must also do things to ensure that you get positive results. By following these post-operative care tips, not only will you avoid any issues that could slow down your healing process, but you’ll most likely come out with the desired outcome as well.
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