Your LASIK journey doesn’t end right after correcting your eyes. Your vision will start getting better soon after, but you will also begin your LASIK recovery.
Luckily, recovery from LASIK is very straight forward! There are some things you should know before you get into it. Here are some ways to help ensure that you stay safe during your LASIK recovery.
Be Careful With Your Eyes, Especially During the First Days
Like any surgical procedure, LASIK needs time to recover from. As such, you need to take into account that your eyes will be more fragile than normal.
During LASIK, flaps are created in your corneas as part of the procedure. These flaps are closed, but not sealed with stitches, glue, or anything else.
They are simply left alone to reattach themselves to the cornea. This happens quickly, but it leaves your eyes prone to complications if you aren’t careful.
First, never rub your eyes during recovery. It may be difficult to resist, but rubbing them even for a second can cause serious problems to your vision.
During the early part of recovery, you will need to avoid bending over at the waist or picking anything up. The change in pressure in your eyes from doing these things is even enough to cause damage.
You will also need to avoid getting water in your eyes. Bacteria that live in the water can cause infections. Chlorine from pools and such will irritate your eyes. You can still shower, but keep your eyes closed as much as possible.
Over a short period of time, you will be able to return to life mostly as normal. Be extra careful during the first few weeks or so. Your still healing eyes will thank you!
Use Eye Drops More Often Than You Think
Eye drops will be your best friend during recovery. Many people experience some degree of dry eye after LASIK. There are some nerves that may get severed in the cornea when reshaping it.
This can lead to reduced sensitivity in the eyes. Using eye drops will help you manage the symptoms of dry without damaging your eyes.
Remembering to use artificial tears also provides a barrier against potential infection.
Use eye drops even if you don’t feel like you need them. By using them regularly while recovering, you will be able to maintain a constant barrier.
You’ll also be able to manage dry eye symptoms much better, rather than playing “catch up”.
Get Rest
Right after the surgery and for the following few days, you will likely be quite tired. It is important to not fight against this, and get plenty of sleep so that your body can recuperate.
Wear the eye shields given to you for napping and sleeping as long as your doctor directs you to use them. They will prevent you from accidentally damaging your eyes while you sleep.
Want to find out if you could be a good candidate for LASIK? The only way is to schedule a LASIK consultation!
Schedule yours at Colorado Eye Consultants in Littleton, CO now! What do you have to lose except your dependence on glasses and contacts?
