LASIK Precautions By William Goldstein on August 09, 2016

 

Laser eye surgery, like all other forms of surgery, requires the patient to follow certain precautions after the procedure. Laser eye surgery is performed to correct minor eye conditions like myopia, hypermetropia, and astigmatism. It is a painless procedure and is known to produce immediate results.

 

Once you’ve undergone the procedure, you may experience symptoms like mild tearing from both eyes, foreign body sensation, irritation, light sensitivity, and occasional hazy vision. After the procedure, it is important that you follow these precautions to ensure complete healing and prevent infections or injury.

 

• Avoid taking a shower or washing your hair until after the day of the procedure.

• When bathing and washing your hair, avoid soap or shampoo from entering your eyes. Make sure your eyes don’t come in contact with soap for at least a week after the surgery.

• Prevent products like hair spray, perfumes, or lotions from entering your eyes during the healing period.

• For at least a week after the surgery, avoid your eyes from coming in contact with tap water. Use sterile saline solution to wash your eyes, if necessary.

• Do not rub your eyes for at least a month after the surgery.

• Unless approved by your doctor, do not drive until you are completely comfortable. This prevents risks of accidents as you may experience hazy vision.

• Always wear goggles or eye shields that are given to your as part of your postoperative kit. Wear them even when you are sleeping for at least a week after the surgery.

• For at least a month following the procedure, avoid swimming pools, saunas, or whirlpools. The chlorine in the water can cause irritation and delay healing.

• Do not wear eye makeup for a week after the surgery. It is advised that you discard your old makeup to avoid contamination and possible infections.

• It is also advised that you do not get your hair colored or undergo other hair treatments for two weeks after the procedure.

• If you’re a fitness freak, avoid exercising for at least two days after the surgery. 

• For at least the first month, wear eye protection. Full covering sunglasses and goggles are the best.

• Avoid entering dusty or dirty environments for at least a week.

• You may experience sensitivity to bright light, so avoid places with bright lighting. Wear sunglasses whenever you’re stepping out.

 

If you need any more information regarding what precautions you should take after your laser eye surgery, speak to your medical care professional. If your symptoms persist or you experience pain or a decrease in vision, contact your doctor immediately. Many LASIK risks can be avoided with proper care of your eyes.