Aside from the actual surgery, post-operative care is one of the things that Dallas LASIK surgery patients worry about most. Will I be in pain? Can I drive? When can I go back to work?
Laser eye surgery is one of the most minimally disruptive procedures you can undergo in terms of recovery time. There are some vital after-care instructions you can expect from your ophthalmologist, though. Following your surgeon’s list of do’s and don’ts after LASIK surgery is crucial for your healthy and swift recovery.
If you’re considering laser eye surgery, here are some of the do’s and don’ts that you can expect after your procedure.
Do’s After LASIK Surgery
DO have a friend or family member drive: After your surgery, you’ll need a designated driver to get you home safely.
DO use eye drops as directed: Carter Eye Center directs patients to use the prescribed eye drops every two hours the night surgery is peformed. When doing so, you will be instructed to remove your eye shields, add drops, and immediately replace your eye shields. Don’t worry -- the shields will only need to be worn while sleeping, and only for the first two weeks after surgery.
DO eat or drink what you want: Post-operative LASIK patients are advised to indulge in whatever foods or liquids they want, except for alcoholic beverages. Craving ice cream? Go for it! Feel the need for a cheeseburger and fries? Enjoy!
DO wear safety glasses during sports or high-risk activities: It’s not necessary to live in a bubble after undergoing LASIK surgery, but if you will be engaging in activities that increase your risk of eye injury -- for example, sports or lawn-mowing -- using safety glasses is recommended.
DO feel free to return to work and regular activities: There’s no need to seclude yourself for weeks after LASIK surgery. Normal activities can be resumed the next day.
Don’ts After LASIK Surgery
DON’T worry if you experience discomfort: Some eye discomfort is to be expected after undergoing any medical procedure. To minimize this, keep your eyes closed as much as possible after your surgery, until you wake up the next day. It’s OK to open them for short periods to eat, drink and use eyedrops. Over-the-counter pain relievers are also acceptable to use.
DON’T rub your eyes: For two weeks after surgery, it is very important NOT to rub your eyes.
DON’T get soap or water directly in your eyes: Avoid this for two weeks after your procedure. If soap or water does get into your eyes, put your head down and blink, so that your tears will wash them out. Swimming, hot tubs and water sports should be avoided during these two weeks.
DON’T wear eye makeup: Mascara and eyeliner should not be worn for three days after LASIK surgery. Waterproof eye makeup should not be work for two weeks. Extreme caution should be observed when removing makeup.
DON’T forget post-op appointments: Follow-up care is extremely important after LASIK surgery, so be sure to attend all post-operative appointments and bring your post-op kit with you. Your first appointment after surgery should last about 30-45 minutes.
If you’re ready to start the journey toward glasses-free vision, call Carter Eye Center today and schedule your Dallas LASIK surgery consultation!
