In the days and weeks following your LASIK surgery you will no doubt be keen to test your new improved vision and experience life without glasses and contact lenses again. However, after this surgical procedure you need to give your eyes time to recover and also follow a few tips for post LASIK care so that you can return to normal activities as safely as possible.
1. Rest your Eyes
Instead of going straight back to work, using the computer and driving your car, you should allow at least a day or two to facilitate the healing process and allow the procedure the best chance of success.
As well as not doing anything strenuous with your eyes, you should avoid touching or rubbing them in those vital first few hours. Once the doctor gives you the all clear to go home it is still advisable that you take a cab or ask someone to pick you up. Your vision may still be a little blurred and driving is not a great idea.
2. Avoid the Television
As part of your eye resting period in the initial few hours, you should resist the temptation to turn on the television. Having a radio or mp3 player with you will let you relax and pass the time while waiting for the immediate effects of the surgery to pass. Your surgeon will tell you how long this first period of post LASIK care will need to last for, but it should be no more than a few hours.
3. Use Sunglasses
Your medical expert will no doubt arrange a special set of sunglasses for your first day or two and you should take care to use them even if the sun isn’t really that strong. Later on you can go back to using conventional sunglasses which you’re recommended to use for the first couple of weeks. Wearing them is essential especially on bright, sunny days.
4. Follow the Doctor’s Advice on Post Lasik Care
The people who really knows best about post LASIK care are your eye surgeons who will know the exact condition of your eyes. They will probably prescribe you eye drops as part of your immediate eye care routine, and it is important that you use these exactly as advised. This is vital as your LASIK recovery may include side effects such as dry eyes or even a burning sensation. A lot of patients find it somewhat uncomfortable using these drops and it may take you a little time to get used to using them but they will really help you.
5. Avoid Soap and Water
In the first week or two of your post Lasik care period you should avoid swimming pools and hot tubs. The first day or two of your post LASIK care will also mean staying away from the shower, as the water and the soap can be troublesome for your recently operated eyes.
6. Sleep Comfortably
Some of us have a habit of rubbing our eyes in our sleep or turning around in our bed and unwittingly bumping our eyes against the pillow or our partner. You doctor may suggest that you wear protective eye coverings such as a flexible mask for the first few days.
7. Don’t Rush Things
If you follow these simple pieces of advice you will be giving your eyes the best chance of recovering from the Lasik surgical procedure and and also preventing any Lasik complications. In the first few weeks you should rest your eyes often and pay attention to your vision. If you experience any discomfort or vision problems during this post Lasik care period, you should inform your doctor as soon as possible.
