6 Tips for a Smooth LASIK Recovery Submitted by Atlanta Vision Cataract and Laser Center on April 12, 2021
After LASIK surgery, you can say goodbye to glasses or contact lenses. However, your eyes and body will need time to recover from the procedure. The top eye specialists at Atlanta Vision Cataract and Laser Center provide tips for making your LASIK recovery as smooth as possible.
1. Take It Easy
Take it easy immediately following your surgery. Try to get some extra sleep. Rest speeds healing.
You should be able to resume most of your normal routine, including work, driving and socializing, as soon as the day after surgery. We ask that you avoid contact sports or any activity in which sweat, dust or debris could get into your healing eyes.
2. Avoid Eyestrain
Limiting physical activities while recuperating from LASIK surgery does not mean you should overindulge in watching TV, spending time on the computer or other devices, or even reading a book. Avoiding eyestrain is critical as your eye heals.
Your doctor will advise you on how much screen and reading time your eyes can tolerate safely.
3. Use Your Eye Drops
Apply your prescription eye drops every waking hour for the first seven to 10 days after surgery. Even if inconvenient, it is crucial that eye drops are used on a regular basis to prevent infection and swelling and keep the eye lubricated.
Keep the drops refrigerated. Always wash and dry your hands thoroughly before applying eye drops. Clean hands help minimize the risk of infection. Keep your hands away from your face — and do not rub your eyes.
4. Use Sun Protection
After laser surgery, your eyes are particularly sensitive to light. Always wear sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats when outdoors. If your home is very bright, you may want to wear sunglasses indoors if you cannot dim the light sufficiently.
In addition to guarding your eyes, wearing sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats — along with sunscreen — helps protect your skin against damaging UV rays.
5. Keep Water Out of Your Eyes
It is important to keep water out of your eyes for two weeks or more after LASIK. During recovery, take baths instead of showers to lessen the chance of water going into the eyes. Pamper yourself with time spent luxuriating in the tub.
Swimming is not permitted for at least two weeks after surgery.
6. Keep Follow-up Appointments
Make sure to keep all follow-up appointments with your eye care specialists. The ophthalmologist monitors your progress, checking your vision for any possible issues.
Contact Us
If you would like more information about LASIK and whether you are a candidate for this procedure, contact the dedicated eye care specialists at Atlanta Vision Cataract and Laser Center to schedule a consultation. We will explain LASIK surgery in detail and answer all of your questions.