The first few weeks after LASIK are an exciting time. Your vision is back! Now, help keep it intact by following our 'Life After LASIK' guidelines and aftercare instructions.
Caring for your eyes after LASIK
Please be advised that your follow-up care is as important as the actual laser eye surgery. You are required to come into our Los Angeles office within 24 hours of your procedure for your first post-operative appointment.
Immediately after the surgery, you should continue using your eye medications. Take your antibiotic eye medication every even hour (12pm, 2pm, 4pm, etc.) and your steroid medication every odd hour (1pm, 3pm, 5pm, etc.). Avoid rubbing your eyes for six weeks following your treatment. If your eyes itch, notify Dr. Benjamin or Dr. Golchet, and an anti-itch medication can be prescribed.
You may take a shower the day after surgery, but keep your eyes closed. Don't allow water to spray directly in your face, and avoid soap and shampoo in your eyes for one full week. You should not submerge in any body of water (including pools, Jacuzzis, hot tubs, oceans, rivers, lakes, etc.) for at least two weeks, and you should avoid scuba diving for three weeks.
When outdoors, use sunglasses during the first four weeks to protect your eyes from wind and dust. At bedtime, wear your eye shield for at least one week if you sleep on your back or side, and two weeks if you sleep on your stomach. This will prevent you from rubbing your eyes during asleep. In terms of activity, light exercise is permissible, but excessive workouts should be avoided for at least five days. For one week after your procedure, you should avoid wearing mascara. However, it is okay to apply eye shadow and other make-up.
Recovering from your procedure
Immediately after LASIK, we recommend returning home and going to sleep. This will allow your eyes to heal, and you'll sleep through the worst part of the post-surgical discomfort. After surgery, you can expect your eyes to be irritated and sensitive to light. They may burn, sting and tear excessively, and you may feel like something is stuck in your eye. These sensations typically dissipate within 24 hours. In the meantime, do not rub your eyes. If you're experiencing considerable discomfort, you may take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as Tylenol or Advil.
In addition, here are a few other guidelines to keep in mind throughout your recovery:
- Fully blink your eyes (without squeezing hard) several times per minute for the first two hours. This will help smooth the cornea.
- To prevent dehydration, do not consume alcohol, caffeine or chocolate. Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Wear the sunglasses provided by the Benjamin Eye Institute. Most other varieties do not provide adequate protection (rated UV 400 or better).
- Watching television is okay. However, refrain from reading or working on the computer for one day.
- Follow your eye medication regimen.
- Wear your eye shields or specialized goggles at night. Use the tape to fasten the shields to your eyes.
