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10 Things You Need to Know About LASIK Recovery
After investing in LASIK surgery, you’ll want to do everything you can to ensure your clearest vision. Avoiding certain activities and making temporary lifestyle adjustments can prevent infection and keep your sensitive eyes safe from damage during the healing period.
We’re helping make your LASIK recovery process easier by answering the most frequently asked questions about what you should avoid after LASIK.
What Can I Do After LASIK Surgery:
1.Can I See After LASIK?
Immediately after surgery, you may notice some significant visual improvements. However, in the hours following, the discomfort and pain may cause some redness and blurred vision that impacts your eyesight. Generally, your vision will stabilize 24 hours after LASIK surgery.
2.Can I Drive After LASIK?
No, you should not drive on the day of your surgery. The sedative, as well as your blurred vision, can make driving hazardous, so the doctors at Kleiman Evangelista Eye Centers recommend bringing a designated driver.
After your initial follow-up appointment (the day after your procedure), the eye doctors in Greater Dallas will clear you to drive short distances, like to and from work or to the grocery store.
3.How Soon Can I Return to Work After LASIK Surgery?
Many patients return to work as soon as the day after their procedure. However, this is entirely dependent on how you feel. You may choose to take an extra day and rest your eyes, especially if you have a strenuous job.
If you work on a computer, be mindful of your screen time, as it can cause dryness and irritation. Keep your eyes lubricated with the prescribed eye drops from your surgeon.
4.When Can I Wear Eye Makeup Again?
You should avoid applying eye makeup and eye creams for at least a week after your surgery, as they can easily get into the eye and cause irritation and infection. Even after a week, be sure you are gently applying these products around your eyes.
5.Can I Swim After LASIK?
Your epithelial needs time to heal after LASIK and the microorganisms found in lakes, hot tubs, pools, and the ocean can cause irritation and infection. For the best recovery, you should refrain from swimming in chlorinated pools for two weeks (at which point you may swim with goggles) and other bodies of water for four weeks after your LASIK surgery.
While some sources say you can swim as soon as a week after surgery, why would you want to risk interfering with your vision?
6.When is it Safe to Work Out and Play Sports?
You can return to light exercise a week after LASIK surgery, ensuring that no sweat will get into your eyes. You should avoid contact and racquet sports for several weeks after your procedure and always use protective wear to prevent injury.
7.How Long Will My Blurred Vision Last?
Blurred vision will last for about 2 to 8 hours immediately following your surgery. However, as your eyes continue to heal, you may experience vision fluctuations for up to 6 months during recovery.
8.What Should I Avoid After LASIK?
Other than the activities and habits mentioned above, there are a few other things to avoid after LASIK:
- Avoid dust and smoke
- Avoid yard and housework that may kick up small particles
- Keep water and soap out of the eyes when showering or bathing
9.How Long Do I Have to Wear My Eye Shields After LASIK Surgery?
Your surgeon will give you protective eye shields to wear at night for a week after your surgery. These shields can prevent accidental rubbing and other damage that happens while you sleep.
If you have pets that share the bed, you might benefit from wearing the shield for up to two weeks.
10.How Long Does LASIK Recovery Last?
LASIK recovery is relatively quick. Many people report clearer vision within the first 24 hours following surgery, although it can take up to 6 months for complete healing.
Depending on your original prescription and your lifestyle, your recovery time and needs may vary. However, following these recommendations and your surgeon’s instructions can ensure proper and timely healing. Be sure to keep your follow-up appointments and ask the eye doctors in Greater Dallas any questions regarding your daily lifestyle activities.
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