LASIK surgery is a quick and painless procedure as far as surgeries go. It can give you complete visual freedom just by using a laser to shape your cornea to your prescription.
The surgery is an outpatient procedure, which means you can go home right after. Like any surgery, there is a recovery period after LASIK.
One of the most important things to do during your LASIK recovery is keeping your eyes clean. How do you do this? Well, there are a few do’s and don’ts to keep in mind.
Prescription Eye Drops
Before and after surgery, your surgeon will prescribe you eye drops. You will be given one kind before surgery to use before and after your procedure. These are anti-inflammatory or antibiotic eye drops. These drops prevent infection while your eyes are healing.
You may also be given a steroid in eye drop form to use once a day. It’s important to use whatever your surgeon prescribes you as often as they tell you. Don’t let yourself forget a dose– set an alarm on your phone if it will help you. Keeping your eyes clean means keeping them infection-free!
Artificial Tears
After you have LASIK, your eyes may feel itchy and irritated for a while. It’s very important not to rub them as this can cause complications and infections.
Instead, if you need some relief or want to rinse your eyes out, you can use artificial tears. Your surgeon may suggest a certain brand, but if they don’t, it’s best to stick to preservative-free eye drops. These have fewer additives and will be gentler on your eyes.
Preservative-free eye drops are best since they are less likely to dry your eyes out. You can get these at most drug stores. Be sure to read the label to make sure you’re getting preservative-free drops.
Protecting Your Eyes
The best way to clean your eyes after LASIK is to keep them clean. You can do this by making sure you shield your eyes properly against contaminants. Wear your eye shield at night to prevent your eyes from rubbing up against your pillow.
If you have to play a contact sport, wear protective goggles or eyewear. This will help keep any dust or dirt out of your eyes while they are healing.
You should also wear sunglasses outside to protect your eyes from UV damage. UV light is always harmful, but your eyes will be even more vulnerable after you have LASIK. Make sure you’re keeping your eyes shielded from the sun!
Bathing and Showering
When washing your body, you should be sure to avoid your eyes completely. If you take a shower, keep the water away from your face. Even getting water in your eyes can be a risk for infection. You should also avoid swimming and hot tubs for a couple weeks after surgery. Chemicals like chlorine can be harmful to your eyes while they’re healing.
Still haven’t gotten LASIK? Want to see if it’s right for you? Contact Ellis Eye and Laser Medical Center today to request an appointment at one of our locations in the San Francisco area.
