Laser eye surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that can permanently improve vision. However, it is still surgery and there are certain things you should and shouldn't do after the procedure. To ensure the best results, it is important to follow the aftercare instructions provided by your doctor and surgeon. For the first 24 hours after surgery, you should avoid watching TV, reading, or using the computer as these activities can cause eye strain.
You should also turn off your phone, tablet, and TV and stay away from the computer for at least 24 to 48 hours. Video screens can strain your eyes and cause them to dry out. Even after this waiting period, you may need to use lubricating eye drops for a short time until your eyes are fully healed. You should also avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, saunas, and other bodies of water such as lakes and rivers for at least two weeks after surgery. After two weeks, it is recommended that you wear goggles or keep your eyes closed underwater if you decide to go swimming.
If water gets into the eyes before the cornea has properly healed, it can cause irritation, dry eyes, and even infection. It is also important to take any medications or eye drops prescribed by your doctor as directed and not stop using them unless directed by your surgeon. Additionally, you should avoid smoky rooms, dusty environments, or areas with chemical vapors such as science laboratories, printing presses, darkrooms etc. You will have a follow-up visit the day after surgery and it is not uncommon to have another follow-up at about 3-4 weeks after surgery and another follow-up after 6 months. These appointments oversee the healing process to ensure that it is developing properly. It is also important to remember that while laser eye surgery can provide permanent improvements in vision, less than 1% of patients experience complications after undergoing LASIK laser eye surgery. Therefore, it is essential to take care of your eyes after laser eye surgery and follow the recommended aftercare instructions during the recovery period.
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