Posted by When laser eye surgery was initially authorized in 1999, it improved the eyesight of more than 90% of patients to 20/40. Additionally, it assisted between 50% and 60% of patients in achieving 20/20 visual acuity.
All of these advancements have increased the safety of laser eye surgery. However, keep in mind that this is still a surgical treatment. That is why you should still budget for laser eye surgery recovery time.
The good news is that there are methods for avoiding prolonged downtime after laser eye surgery.
Are you ready to discover how you can assist minimize your laser eye surgery recovery time to a minimum? Then here are the top suggestions to remember immediately after your surgery!
A Brief Overview of What to Expect During LASIK Surgery
laser eye surgery involves the creation of a microscopic flap in the cornea, the eye’s outermost layer. The doctor will next remodel the underlying corneal tissue using a laser. That little flap returns to its natural location, where it begins self-healing.
While the complete procedure takes less than 30 minutes (for both eyes), it does need an incision. It is still an “invasive” operation, which may result in dry eye, the most frequent complication after laser eye surgery.
According to studies, up to 95% of laser eye surgery patients report dry eye problems immediately after surgery. These investigations, however, discovered that the symptoms subside week after week. Around half of the individuals continue to have them a month following surgery.
Not to worry, your eye surgeon will provide you with eye drops to control the symptoms of dry eye. Additionally, your doctor may prescribe pain medicines if you are experiencing more pain than discomfort.
What is critical is that you adhere to all of your doctor’s post-operative recommendations. In this manner, you can minimize the danger of problems and allow your eyes to recuperate more quickly. The faster your eyes recover, the sooner you will be able to experience improved vision.
Apart from following your doctor’s advice, there are other self-care strategies you may do. We’ve compiled a list of the top ones below to aid with your lasik eye surgery recovery.
Following laser eye surgery Recovery: What to Do in the First 24 Hours
Because your incision is still new, the first 24 hours are important for your laser eye surgery surgical recovery. Allow for rapid healing of your eyes by following these guidelines during the first 24 hours after the treatment.
Take a Nap to Refresh Your Vision
This is true for individuals undergoing any form of laser eye surgery, including classic laser eye surgery, bladeless laser eye surgery, and even PRK. Resting your eyes immediately after surgery will aid in their healing and recuperation. learn more about laser eye surgery at Personal Eyes.
That is why it is recommended that you avoid scheduling appointments on the day of your operation. Additionally, you should abstain from intense activities and exercise for the following 24 hours.
Additionally, take eye drops before sleeping. When you go to bed, use the eye shields that your eye doctor will provide in your post-operative bag. These shields might assist you in avoiding touching your eyes while sleeping.
Maintain Your Sunglasses
Wear your shades as much as possible during the first 24 hours after surgery. Keep them on even if you’re indoors, but it’s especially critical if you’re going outdoors. Sunglasses can assist in shielding your eyes from harmful UV rays, dust, wind, and other pollutants, take a healthy diet.
Avoid Electronic Devices
A person blinks around 15 times each minute on average, or more than 20,000 times per day. While a blink lasts less than a tenth of a second, it is sufficient time to lubricate the eyes.
However, the usage of computers may lower this blink rate by up to 66%. When a person blinks less often, the eyes are unable to produce enough tears to keep themselves wet. Reduced blinking also increases the likelihood of irritants entering the eyes.
Given the possibility of dry eye after laser eye surgery, the last thing you want is to blink less. Reduced blinking may exacerbate or aggravate dry eye problems.
Having said that, avoid using computers and smartphones for the first 24 hours after surgery. Additionally, you should avoid watching television and reading during this time period.
Bear in mind that after the LASIK operation, your eyes will become more sensitive. All of these actions will assist in preventing eye strain and weariness.
Techniques for the First Week Following LASER EYE SURGERY
What you can do the day after and during the first week after laser eye surgery to safeguard your eyes.
Showering and Eye Hygiene
The day following surgery, you may wipe your eyes with a gentle, wet sponge or facecloth. Apply little pressure as you slide the sponge or towel downward.
You may shower the next day but avoid getting face wash or other chemicals in your eyes. Shower only from the neck down if possible.
The Day Following Surgery, Visit Your Eye Surgeon
If you choose bladeless laser eye surgery, such as iLASIK, your eyes will be ready for a follow-up checkup the following day. Your doctor will examine your eyesight and check to see how well your eyes are recuperating.
Continue Using Your Eye Drops According to the Directions
If your eyes continue to feel dry or itchy, put some eye drops in them. You may take these up to four times day, depending on the brand given to you. Avoid touching your eyes as much as possible during the first week after surgery.
For a Week, abstain from swimming and contact sports.
For a week after surgery, avoid public pools, hot tubs, freshwater, and saltwater. Even lakes and rivers may have harmful algae and other substances that pose a threat to your overall health.
Apart from swimming, avoid contact sports such as football or volleyball. These activities increase your chance of being stabbed in the eyes. After the first week, you may play them, but be sure to wear sporting goggles for at least one month.
For at least a week, abstain from using eye makeup.
During the first week after laser eye surgery, refrain from using eyeliners, mascara, or eye lotions. Additionally, you should avoid applying makeup applicators or brushes in the region around the eyes. This may assist in warding off infections that your eyes are still susceptible to.
The Second Week Following Surgery
You may be allowed to resume using eye makeup at this point, but keep an eye out for symptoms of discomfort. If you see any redness or swelling, discontinue use of the product and contact your eye surgeon.
During this time frame, you will also see your eye doctor for another vision exam. Notify your laser eye surgery surgeon if you continue to have eye dryness so that you may continue utilizing eye drops. This is also an excellent moment to inquire with your physician about the activities you may resume.