LASIK makes it possible to wake up each morning with clear, sharp vision without glasses or contact lenses. For many people, this freedom from corrective lenses is life changing. Imagine never having to bother with contact lenses again. The modern LASIK procedure is completed quickly and you’ll be able to get back to normal activities the next day; however, there are certain activities to avoid as your eyes heal. Learn more about that in the sections below.
In the Hours Following LASIK
Here are a few items to look out for right after surgery:
- Don’t forget to take a nap. It really helps the healing process to go home and lie down with your eyes closed after the procedure at our office. You will wake up with noticeably improved vision.
- Remember you don’t need your contacts anymore. For some of our patients, it takes a little time to adjust to their new lenses-free lifestyle. You may need to give yourself the pleasant reminder a few times that you don’t need to insert contacts upon waking.
- Don’t rub your eyes. Eye rubbing interferes with the healing corneal flap created during LASIK surgery. Keep reminding yourself throughout the day!
- Don’t forget your protective eye shields when you go to sleep. These eye shields prevent you from unconsciously rubbing your eyes while you snooze.
The staff at Dr. Walton’s practice will arrange your follow-up appointment with you before you undergo surgery, so you’ll know when to come back for a check-in.
In the Days Ahead
You’ll love your vision when you wake up the next day, but technically your eyes are still healing. Here are a few items to avoid:
- Use eye drops as prescribed. Dry eyes and a gritty feeling is normal for a few days after LASIK.
- Stay out of potentially dirty water. This includes swimming pools, hot tubs, lakes, streams and rivers.
- Don’t drive a car until Dr. Walton clears it. Someone will need to drive you home from surgery and drive you back to your follow-up appointment the next day. Dr. Walton will check your vision and let you know if you are cleared to drive.
- Watch the suds and water near your eyes. While you can start showering the day after LASIK, keep soap and water away from your eyes for at least a week.
- Take a day or two off. For most modern occupations, patients can return to work a day or two after LASIK. Remember to pack artificial tears to prevent dry eye. This becomes especially important in dry office climates and for work that involves prolonged use of a computer screen.
- Take it easy on exercise. Talk to Dr. Walton about the specific physical activity that is part of your routine. Generally speaking, it’s safe to resume exercise a few days later. It’s important to prevent sweat running into your eyes because it may cause you to rub them.
We will provide you with recovery tips specific to you and your daily routine. We’re available to answer your calls if any questions or concerns should arise.
Learn More About LASIK
If you are interested in LASIK vision surgery to improve your eyesight, then please call the practice of experienced ophthalmologist Dr. Chris Walton at 251-341-3385. Our practice is located in Mobile, Alabama, and we proudly provide vision services for people from across the Gulf Coast and surrounding regions.