Post-operative eye care is very important to ensure the success
of any eye surgery and make it effective. A lasik surgery or a laser eye
surgery is relatively quick and the recovery process is very fast. A
person who undergoes this surgery can resume work within a couple of
days. The doctor will advise you to take precautions and refrain from
certain activities for the next few days or weeks. Post lasik, you will
be given certain eye drops that are anti-inflammatory to help with the
healing process.
Immediately after the lasik surgery
As a
part of post-operative eye care, it is recommended to use dark glasses
to protect your eyes from bright lights. Even protective eye wear may be
used to prevent accidental scratching during sleep. This also helps to
reduce dry eyes after surgery. Right after the surgery you may feel
slight irritation in the eyes. Even mild pain may be experienced for
which your doctor will advise pain killers. The eye sight may be hazy
and take some time to return to normal. It is also normal to have blood
shot eyes at this point. You will find that after a couple of days the
symptoms will wane and your eyes and vision will be better. It is
recommended to avoid wearing contact lenses right after the surgery.
Eye care in the first few weeks
The
eye care advised in the first few weeks after the lasik surgery should
be followed without fail. All types of eye makeup and lotions should be
avoided, especially around the eye area. Cleaning of the eyes on a daily
basis should be done. It is better to refrain from swimming and saunas
during the first few weeks. In fact all physical sports can be given up
for at least a month after surgery. Although you can go on about other
daily activities normally, remember to avoid physical strains. Your eyes
should be shielded properly and you should avoid glaring lights by
wearing dark glasses.
Eye care in the first few months
Although
a lasik surgery is quick and easy on the eyes, the first months of eye
care after the surgery determine the quality of vision that you attain.
Your vision may take anything from three to six months to become stable.
It is not uncommon to experience glares and driving difficulties,
especially at night during this period. You should tell your doctor if
the symptoms persist after the first three months. If the symptoms
worsen, then report to the doctor immediately. A re-operation may be
necessary is the eyes are still not stable after the first few months or
if vision problems persist.
Lasik surgery for the eyes works well
in most patients and has a high success rate. The process is quick and
does not require staying in the hospital. However, effective eye care
post-surgery ensures a higher success rate. One should follow all the
eye care essentials as specified by the doctor during the first six
months of surgery.
By
Jeff Molenda
