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7 LASIK Surgery Recovery Tips

Laser eye surgery has a reputation as a safe, simple procedure that has a high visual acuity and patient satisfaction rate. While the professionalism of your eye surgeon greatly determines vision change outcomes, your rate of recovery depends solely on your after-care behaviors. Here are seven LASIK surgery recovery tips that a local Dothan eye doctor recommends to avoid eye sensitivity, side effects and rare complications that will extend your recuperation time.  

1. Wear Protective Goggles as Instructed

Once your LASIK surgery has finished, the eye surgeon staff will provide you with a pair of goggles before you leave the office. You must wear them as instructed ― even when sleeping ― to prevent dirt, debris or touch during the first few days of your recovery time.

2. Wear Sunglasses When in Direct Sunlight

There is a high probability that you will experience light sensitivity for several weeks after your eye surgery, so wear sunglasses anytime you are outside in direct sunlight. If you experience light bursts or flashes, you can also wear your sunglasses indoors as well.

3. Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes

During the first week after surgery, you need to avoid rubbing your eyes. Not only can this lead to an infection, but it can also displace your eye’s flap which will cause severe complications that will often lead to surgical difficulties when repairing the damage.

4. Get Plenty of Rest

Getting plenty of rest after your surgery is vital as it minimizes the risk of side effects and long-term complications. When your body is in a state of rest, relaxation or sleep, it offers the best chance that your eyes have to recover quickly without issues. It will also be beneficial if you have someone who will provide short-term aftercare.

5. Use Eye Drops as Prescribed

It is possible that you will experience dryness, so be sure to use eye drops as described in your post-op surgery instructions ― either prescribed or over-the-counter ― as it will make your recovery time more comfortable. It is likely that dryness will last up to six months.

6. Avoid Dirt and Debris

To lessen the risk of infection or serious vision complications, always wash your face and hands to avoid accessibility to dirt and debris getting into your eyes. You also want to ensure your home is dust free since it will raise the chance of infection or re-injury.

7. Avoid High-risk Activities

A significant complication arises when engaging in high-risk activities like playing contact sports, exercising or swimming. Wait until you have a follow-up appointment before resuming activities. You should plan to avoid risky behaviors for a month after surgery.

Getting back to a normal routine depends solely on your side effects which you may or may not experience during your recovery. Typically, patients require a few weeks to six months when side effects like dryness, tear production or flashing lights occur. You will want to take the best of care of your eyes so that you benefit greatly after you recover from your LASIK surgery.