Congratulations on your decision to join the millions of Australians who receive laser eye surgery. This popular operation has benefited more than 40 million patients globally throughout the years. As its popularity has increased, so have the improvements that have contributed to its success.
Following your brief operation, you must follow appropriate laser eye surgery aftercare to ensure a speedy recovery. While virtually all patients may resume normal activities within a day or two after the treatment, some care must be taken to improve the healing process. Continue reading to learn what to anticipate after laser eye surgery.
Your laser eye surgery Post-Operative Care Schedule
You will need to exercise caution with your eyes for around a month after surgery. This timetable outlines what you should do throughout the four weeks during which your eyes heal:
If possible, avoid returning to work for 1-2 days after your therapy. If you return to computer usage and lengthy reading too soon, you may encounter various sorts of tension that may impede your healing process.
Make sure your home is as dust-free and clean as possible before laser eye surgery. Dirt and dust may irritate the eyes after surgery and, in rare situations, act as a catalyst for infection. Additionally, you will want to shower before laser eye surgery to help minimize the bacteria level. You’ll need to avoid bathing for at least the remainder of the day after surgery, so plan accordingly before arriving on the operation day.
Additionally, discard any unopened cosmetics. Makeup may operate as a breeding ground for germs, so when you restart wearing makeup, be sure to use unopened, sterile goods. Click here to read about laser eye surgery.
The Initial Six Hours
During this particular period, you may feel some pain. It is critical to keep your eyes closed and stay away from strong lights. Your doctor may have prescribed pain medication and eye drops to alleviate discomfort and start the healing process.
Enlist the assistance of a friend or family member to transport you home after your laser eye surgery.
The First Twenty-four Hours
Avoid strained eyes. This includes restricting your reading, television viewing, smartphone use, video gameplay, and computer screen use. Additionally, refrain from engaging in vigorous exercise. We’ll discuss patient exercise programs in further detail below.
Avoid contacting your eyes with soap, chemical products, or non-sterile water. In general, you want to exercise extreme caution near your eyes, particularly during the immediate post-operative period.
You will most likely return to your eye doctor the next day for a follow-up check to ensure proper healing.
The Initially Two Weeks
If you are recovering well, you should be able to drive, work, and resume your pre-surgery routine. During this time period, you must take precautions to avoid infection and irritation of your eyes.
After 48-72 hours, you may resume computer use and reading. It is suggested, to begin with light usage and gradually increase to regular use as you feel comfortable.
While light exercise such as riding or walking is OK, you must avoid vigorous activities such as yoga, aerobics, jogging, or weightlifting if they cause you to squeeze your eyes firmly shut or strain excessively. Avoid locations where there is dust, smoke, or other irritants.
Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun’s UV rays, and take any prescription eye medicines as directed. Avoid using cosmetics, creams, and lotions in close proximity to your eyes, and avoid swimming in areas that may be polluted.
The Initial Month
You may swim, ski, play tennis, and undertake aerobics and yoga after four weeks of recuperation, given that your follow-up examinations went well. However, consult your physician before beginning weightlifting. The effort associated with intense weightlifting might impede your recovery.
If you are a scuba diver, see your physician determine if it is safe for you to continue your activity.
Additionally, consider using sports goggles. While your eyes are on the mend, covering them until they are entirely healed is always a good idea.
Travel should be OK at this stage of your recuperation as long as you are not having difficulties. While makeup is permissible at this stage of your recuperation, proper makeup hygiene is critical.
Between three and six months
Your mending should be proceeding apace. If you were very nearsighted, your healing period may be somewhat longer, but you may still see a gradual improvement in your vision over time.
By this time, most patients have resumed their regular habits under normal conditions. As a general rule, wear sunglasses, as the UV rays of the sun may be harmful to anyone’s eyes. Attend all scheduled follow-up visits.
If we have prescribed a recovery plan for you, please adhere to it and report any unexpected pain or irregularities.
If you are seeing halos, glare, or other visual abnormalities, they should progressively subside over the next six months. In rare instances, your doctor may offer enhancement therapy to help you see more clearly, although this is never recommended until six months have passed.
Consider the following:
After laser eye surgery, the majority of patients recover completely and achieve 20/20 vision (or better!). It is a very effective therapy for impaired eyesight, and with proper laser eye surgery aftercare, virtually all patients recover completely and return to normal life.
Patients must adhere to the following guidelines during the rehabilitation process:
- Adhere to their treatment plan.
- As much as possible, protect their eyes from dirt, dust, harsh light, and germs.
- Refrain from touching their eyes.
- Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments.
- Take all recommended drugs as directed.
- Maintain a close eye on their eyesight and report any concerns.
If you qualify as a candidate and have a basic understanding of how laser eye surgery works, taking the leap should be a pleasurable and successful experience. Contact us to schedule a personal consultation to learn how laser eye surgery may improve your quality of life.
Following your brief operation, you must follow appropriate laser eye surgery aftercare to ensure a speedy recovery. While virtually all patients may resume normal activities within a day or two after the treatment, some care must be taken to improve the healing process.
