Post-LASIK Care: Tips for a Smooth Recovery and Long-Term Results

LASIK is an efficient procedure, post-operative care is extremely important because it directly affects how well patients recover from the procedure. The patient is allowed to return home on the same day. Typically, you can resume daily activities within a day or two. However, complete recovery may take several months.

During the procedure, a specialized laser is employed to make a small flap in the outer corneal layer. The underlying tissues are modified to correct the refractive errors. This flap needs no stitches as it heal on its own within some days post-surgery. Therefore, post-operative care is crucial.

Post-LASIK recovery tips

Here are some post-Lasik recovery tips that will help in a fast recovery that will last for a longer time.

  1. Resting:
    Resting is one of the most important things for recovery. Resting your eyes can give time to proper cornea healing. You will face difficulty in seeing or have blurry vision in the initial 24 – 48 hours of surgery. In such cases, resting can relax your eye muscles and remove excessive strain while looking here and there.

  2. Seek for Help
    Blurry vision can prevent you from driving and using public transport. It is advisable to accompany a friend who can help you out in travelling and some household work such as cooking, giving medicines and so on.

  3. Follow Your Doctor’s Instruction
    It is important to follow the instructions provided by your surgeon. Your surgeon has the expertise to determine what is beneficial and harmful to your post-surgery well-being. They will provide a set of instructions that must be meticulously followed to ensure a smooth recovery process.

  4. Keep Yourself Hydrated
    Following LASIK, it’s common to experience dry and itchy eyes. To prevent this discomfort, make sure to utilize the artificial tears recommended by your surgeon after the procedure. Do not use any other eye drops as it can create complications. Drink plenty of fluid to stay hydrated.

  5. Limit Your Screen Time
    Refrain from using mobile phones or other devices that may strain your eyes. Screen time can cause fatigue and may interfere with the healing process of your eyes after LASIK surgery. To protect the health of your operated eyes, thoroughly study and follow the rules about the duration of screen time permitted following surgery.

  6. Maintain Hygiene
    Maintaining a clean and dry environment is critical for preventing post-operative infections. Request that your caretaker clean your room on a daily basis. Allow enough natural light to enter the room to deter the entry of any potential pathogens that could interfere with your recovery.

  7. Look for Warning Signs
    If you are in tremendous amounts of pain, your symptoms are getting worse instead of better, or your vision is foggy, consult your doctor right away. Furthermore, if you develop any new symptoms after surgery seek medical advice.

  8. Avoid Exercises
    Refrain from activities such as swimming, hot tubs, etc. to avoid any waterborne disease for at least a week post-surgery. You can consult your surgeon before resuming such activities.

  9. Dietary Considerations for Eye Health
    A well-balanced diet plays a vital role in post-LASIK recovery. Include food rich in omega-3 fatty acids (walnut, flax seed), vitamins A, C, and E, and anti-oxidants to promote speedy recovery. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and limit alcohol and caffeine to combat dehydration. By following the advice given above, you will have a smooth and long-lasting recovery after LASIK.

Lasik-instrument

Conclusion

The recovery period after LASIK varies for every individual. It can take from a week to several months depending on the complications. But with proper rest, following the instructions provided by the surgeon, and keeping yourself away from stress with a good diet can help you in smooth recovery.

MM Joshi Eye Institute is a leading Eye hospital in Hubli. It is one of the best eye care centres in the location offering the latest LASIK procedures under experienced LASIK surgeons. The treatment is hassle-free and the supporting staff makes the patient more comfortable and helps in seamless Post-surgery recovery.

FAQs

  • How do you take care of your eyes after LASIK long term?

    Following LASIK, follow post-operative guidelines to ensure long-term eye health: use prescribed eye drops, avoid rubbing your eyes, protect them from UV exposure, and attend regular follow-up appointments. ensure good eye hygiene and seek medical guidance as soon as any concerns arise.

  • Can you rub your eyes 2 years after LASIK?

    It is better to avoid eye touching after LASIK surgery as it can damage the operated corneal flap. It is advisable not to rub your eyes for at least 2 months after LASIK or PRK as it can dislocate the corneal flap.

  • What is not normal after LASIK?

    Having a blurry vision, painful eye, redness or constant itching is not normal after the LASIK treatment. If you have any symptoms it is advisable to have a follow-up check-up schedule with your surgeon immediately.

  • When can I squeeze my eyes after LASIK?

    Avoid touching your eye Post LASIK as it can damage your corneal flap. The flap is operated during the treatment and will require some time to heal properly. Once the healing process is completed you can squeeze your eyes and even sometimes rub them.

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Posted on by MMJ Eye Institute