LASIK can provide clearer vision with a quick procedure and minimal downtime, but your recovery doesn’t end when you leave the surgery center. Following your surgeon’s instructions during the first few days and weeks is an important part of achieving the best possible results.
Good LASIK aftercare helps protect your eyes, supports proper healing, and reduces the risk of complications. Here’s what you should (and shouldn’t!) do after your procedure.
LASIK Aftercare: What to Do
- Follow Your Medication Schedule
- Your surgeon will prescribe eye drops to help prevent infection, reduce inflammation, and keep your eyes lubricated. Use them exactly as directed, even if your eyes feel fine. Skipping medications can slow healing and increase the risk of complications.
- Wear Your Protective Eye Shields
- You’ll likely be asked to wear protective shields while sleeping for the first few nights after surgery. These shields help prevent you from accidentally rubbing your eyes while you sleep.
- Use Artificial Tears
- Dry eyes are common during the healing process. Using preservative-free artificial tears throughout the day can help relieve dryness, improve comfort, and support recovery.
- Give Your Eyes Time to Rest
- Your vision may fluctuate during the first few days. Take breaks from reading, computers, phones, and television if your eyes begin to feel tired. Rest allows your eyes time to heal.
- Attend Your Follow-Up Appointments
- Even if your vision seems perfect, it’s important to attend every scheduled follow-up visit. Your surgeon will monitor your healing and make sure your recovery is progressing as expected.
LASIK Aftercare: What to Avoid
- Don’t Rub Your Eyes
- This is one of the most important rules of LASIK aftercare. Although your eyes may itch or feel irritated, rubbing them can interfere with healing, especially during the first few days after surgery.
- Avoid Swimming and Hot Tubs
- Pools, lakes, oceans, and hot tubs can expose your eyes to bacteria and other contaminants. Your surgeon will let you know when it’s safe to return to swimming, but most patients should avoid water activities for at least a couple of weeks.
- Skip Eye Makeup for a While
- Mascara, eyeliner, eye shadow, and makeup removers can introduce bacteria or irritate healing eyes. Wait until your surgeon says it’s safe before applying makeup around your eyes.
- Limit Dusty or Smoky Environments
- Smoke, dust, and airborne debris can irritate your eyes during recovery. If you must be in these environments, consider wearing protective eyewear.
- Avoid Strenuous Activity
- Heavy lifting, contact sports, and vigorous exercise may increase the risk of injury or irritation during the early healing period. Your surgeon will tell you when you can safely resume your normal activities.
What to Expect During Recovery
Every patient’s recovery is a little different, but most people notice significantly improved vision within 24 hours. It’s normal to experience:
- Mild discomfort or a gritty sensation
- Light sensitivity
- Watery eyes
- Temporary blurry or fluctuating vision
- Mild dryness
These symptoms typically improve over the first few days and weeks as your eyes continue to heal.
When Should You Call Your Eye Doctor?
While complications after LASIK are uncommon, it’s important to know when something isn’t normal. Contact your eye surgeon right away if you experience:
- Severe or worsening eye pain
- Sudden decrease in vision
- Increasing redness that doesn’t improve
- Thick or yellow drainage from the eye
- Flashes of light or a sudden increase in floaters
- An eye injury during your recovery
It’s always better to ask questions than ignore symptoms that concern you. Prompt treatment can help protect your vision if a problem develops.
Protect Your Investment in Better Vision
LASIK is an investment in your vision and ultimately, your quality of life. Following your surgeon’s LASIK aftercare instructions gives your eyes the best opportunity to heal properly and achieve excellent visual results.
If you’re considering LASIK or have questions about the recovery process, the experienced team at The Cataract Surgeons is here to help. Schedule a consultation to learn whether LASIK is right for you and what you can expect before, during, and after your procedure.
