5 Tips For A Healthy LASIK Recovery

February 13th, 2019

Recovering from LASIK is a process. While the surgery might be safe and successful, there’s no getting around the fact that you will need to recover.

At the Laser Eye Center in Huntsville, Alabama, we want you to have a smooth transition after LASIK. Here are a few ways you can make sure your LASIK recovery is quick and safe!

1. Don’t Rub Your Eyes

This should go without saying. During LASIK, incisions are made on your cornea that needs time to heal after. They can be prone to tearing while healing.

If this happens, you will need to go back in to have it fixed, and you could end up with complications. Make sure to use your prescribed eye drops frequently even if your eyes don’t feel itchy.

2. Avoid Getting Water in Your Eyes

You can still shower, of course, but swimming and using hot tubs are not good ideas. Even when showering, try to keep your eyes away from the water and shut as often as possible.

Even clean water can contain many microbes and bacteria that can lead to infection. After a procedure like LASIK, you are more likely to get infections. Your eyes are more vulnerable after LASIK, so be smart around water for the first month!

3. Take It Easy for a Few Weeks after LASIK

Rubbing your eyes isn’t the only thing that can cause tearing of the cornea in post-LASIK eyes. For the first few weeks after LASIK, take it easy. Avoid any heavy lifting or strenuous activities during this time.

The incisions in your cornea are extremely fragile and could get damaged. Wait until your doctor clears you before resuming normal exercising or playing sports.

4. Attend Follow-Up Appointments

After LASIK, it is important for your doctor to be able to observe and track your recovery progress. Sometimes issues that arise can be difficult to notice on your own.

Only a professional, third-party perspective can properly diagnose them. When caught early, these issues are easy to fix. This is why attending all follow-up appointments are so important! If these issues are left and found later, they may cause bigger problems or permanent damage.

5. Protect your Eyes From the Sun

Uncontrolled exposure to ultraviolet light is harmful to your health, especially the eyes. When going outside, you should always try to wear sunglasses that are 100% UVA and UVB proof.

If your sunglasses don’t protect UV rays, they cause damage. Sunglasses cause your eyes to dilate. This means that more light gets through while compensating for “darkness”. Right after LASIK, your eyes will be more sensitive to light.

You’ll want to wear sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays when you’re cleared to go home. Even after healing and recovery are over, continue wearing protected sunglasses outside. After LASIK, your eyes will be more prone to damage from the sun’s damaging rays. You’re better safe than sorry!

Wondering if LASIK could be right for you? Schedule a LASIK consultation with Dr. Lee at the Laser Eye Center in Huntsville, Alabama!