Most patients experience immediate vision improvement after LASIK surgery, but that doesn’t mean that your LASIK journey ends there. LASIK surgery requires a recovery period, giving your eyes time to heal from the small incisions made during the procedure.
This recovery period is uneventful and pretty easy to get through, but it’s important to pay special attention to what you are doing. During recovery, especially the first few weeks, your eyes will be particularly fragile and more susceptible to injury and infection. You’ll want to take it easy and get plenty of rest.
Below are 3 LASIK recovery tips to help ensure a successful and speedy recovery:
After LASIK, your eyes are going to be more prone to infection than normal. It is important to reduce the number of bacteria getting into them.
Although many people don’t realize it, water is the perfect place for bacteria to breed. Even the water you shower in can breed bacteria! This is why you need to avoid getting water in your eyes after having LASIK.
You can, of course, still shower while you are recovering. Just make sure not to get shampoo or water into your eyes.
Avoid swimming after LASIK for at least a month, including in lakes, ponds, swimming pools, hot tubs, and the ocean. Chlorinated water can cause significant irritation to your eyes.
Rubbing your eyes is never good for them, but after you’ve had LASIK, it’s even worse.
During LASIK, a flap is made in your cornea. After reshaping the cornea, the flap is then closed and left to reattach itself. Rubbing your eyes can cause this flap to rip open, causing serious harm and complications.
You can deal with the itchy eyes caused by LASIK by applying eye drops. Use them proactively even when you don’t think that you need them. If your eyes are really dry and itchy, try storing your eye drops in the fridge! It’s an easy way to make your eyes feel better without having to put in any extra effort.
You will need to attend a follow-up appointment within 48 hours of your surgery. You will also need to come in for several more throughout your LASIK recovery.
These checkups allow your doctor to diagnose any problems from the surgery. Early diagnosis is key since it leads to early treatment.
Be upfront with any questions you have when seeing your doctor, and let them know if you are experiencing any pain. Some light pain and irritation are normal during the LASIK recovery process, but severe pain could be a sign of a complication.
Want to find out if you could be a good candidate for LASIK and its life-changing benefits? Schedule your LASIK consultation at Washington Eye in Chevy Chase, MD now! Isn’t it time for crystal clear vision every time you open your eyes?
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The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider.
