After a LASIK procedure, you will need to follow the guidance of your optometrist in the Eldersburg, MD, area to ensure your eyes heal properly. He or she may suggest you:
- Get a ride. Your optometrist will let you know when you can drive, but it typically takes at least one day.
- Take pain relievers. After this type of surgery, some patients report feeling as if there is a foreign body in their eye. A mild pain reliever may help to reduce any discomfort.
- Use eye drops. Similarly, patients report discomfort related to abnormally dry eyes. To combat this issue, your eye doctor may prescribe eye drops.
- Wear sunglasses. For about a week after the surgery, you may have to wear sunglasses to offer better protection to your exposed eyes.
- Avoid eye rubbing. The doctor may give you plastic eye shields to wear while you are sleeping. These shields will protect your eyes from unconscious eye rubbing. You should avoid rubbing your eyes for about a month after the procedure.
- Avoid reading. While you can read in moderation after the surgery, reading too much may cause extra discomfort. After a few days have passed, this restriction may lift.
- Avoid exercise. For roughly one week after the procedure, you need to avoid exercising. This gives your body time to recuperate. If you participate in any contact sports, you may want to forgo those activities for about a month.
- Avoid makeup. You should also refrain from wearing makeup for about a week after the surgery.
- Avoid gardening. Dust and dirt could cause extra irritation to your sensitive eyes, so you may want to let someone else handle the gardening for about a week.
- Avoid water. You can shower and bathe as normal, but you do want to avoid swimming, whirlpools and hot tubs for about a week after your surgery.
If you have questions about your recovery, you can talk with your optometrist at your regular, post-surgical eye exams.