LASIK Eye Surgery - Postoperative Tips

Many surgeons and LASIK patients have noted that as soon as the anesthetic wears off, you eyes will be watery, light sensitive and sore. According to them, this phase of the healing usually lasts for about 6 to 8 hours until the surface layer of your eye, particular the layer at the edge of the flap, heals.

So, during this period, it is highly suggested that you take your eye drops if you have one, and if possible, try to sleep wearing your shields. The following day, your eyes will still be light sensitive and blurry. Well, during this period, it is typical to be able to go back to most of your normal routine from 3 to 7 days.

Also worthy to note is that after the LASIK eye surgery, you may experience a sort of fluctuation in your vision from morning to evening. Also, you can expect to see halos around lights at night.

According to some experts, this is normally caused by a normal postoperative swelling, commonly known as edema. So, don’t just worry as this is just a normal part of the healing procedure. You may wait for several for this fluctuation to resolve.

Many of the patients who have experienced LASIK eye surgery further note that even though they see 20/20, the vision may not be as sharp, clear or well defined as before. The primary cause of this is actually a small loss of contrast. This is often considered as a minor tradeoff for acceptable vision without glasses.

Things to Do After the LASIK Eye Surgery

As mentioned earlier, you should wear the eye shields after the LASER eye surgery. Wear this at night for about 4 nights to prevent you from rubbing your eyes while you sleep.
You should relax and rest for 24 to 48 hours immediately after the LASER eye surgery procedure.
You can place gently place a cold cloth across your eyelids for the first 24 to 48 hours as this will help greatly with comfort.
If you are working, prepare to take 3 to 7 days off from your work.
You can use Tylenol and Aspirin for discomfort.
You can apply eye drops and antibiotic drops onto your eyes as prescribed by your surgeon.

Things to Avoid After the LASIK Eye Surgery

Always remember NOT to rub your eyes.
Avoid getting soap or shampoo near your eyes.
Avoid dusty and smoky environments for about one week.
Avoid hot tubs, pools, saunas, and water sport activities also for one week.
If you engaged in some activities that could result in a direct blow to your eye, refrain from doing them for several months.
Also refrain from driving for the first 3 to 7 days until you have gained 20/40* vision correction.
Do not wear make-up for one week postoperatively.
Since reading, watching TV and computer use usually strain your eyes, do them in moderation for the first few days following the LASIK vision correction.

Postoperative Medication For LASIK Eye Surgery

Typically after the LASIK eye surgery, you will be required by your LASIK surgeon to apply eye drops. Well, I have here below a sample of the medication schedule that you may be asked to follow.

Tobradex (Antibiotic/steroid)

One drop four times a day for two days.
One drop three times a day for two days.
One drop two times a day for two days.
One drop one time a day for two days.

Artificial Tears

You can apply one drop while awake for every 30 to 60 minutes for 2 to 3 days.
Apply one drop every 4 hours for 3 to 4 days thereafter.

Postoperative Appointments

Usually after the LASIK eye surgery, you will be required to go back to the clinic 24 hours after the procedure. This is highly required for an examination.

Also, it is significant to note that you will be required to hear postoperative appointments which are typically one week, one month, and three months from your surgery date. If in case you experience further problems after your LASIK eye surgery, additional number of visit may be required.

Note that every postoperative appointment is as required as the LASIK eye surgery itself. Thus, they should not be missed or skipped. Also, every appointment will help you to evaluate your healing procedure.

And, if certain new dilemmas occur between your follow up visits, never wait for your regular appointment. Contact your clinic immediately in order for you to determine if an earlier appointment is recommended. Just take some extra care.

Okay, that’s all! Just note however that LASIK eye surgery procedure is a serious treatment that requires enough time for you to decide. Thus, consider it seriously. You should not only base your choice for a LASIK eye surgery on the cost of the surgery.

Always remember that you also have to think about quality and service. After all, LASIK eye surgery is a procedure you will likely have only once in your lifetime and your vision is one of the most important assets of yours.