So you’ve decided to have LASIK: awesome! LASIK is an effective way to correct your vision and no longer need glasses or contacts.
LASIK patients also have a high satisfaction rate as most achieve 20/20 vision or better. But if you want to get the most out of LASIK, you need to care for your eyes properly before and after surgery.
Luckily, it isn’t hard at all as long as you follow your doctor’s instructions and keep these tips in mind. Keep reading for 4 tips for your best vision with LASIK!
1. Prepare Properly
If you wear contacts, your doctor will ask you to stop wearing them 2-4 weeks before your procedure. When you’ll need to stop wearing contacts depends on what kind of contacts you wear.
Why? Because your contacts can change the shape of your eye, at least temporarily. When you get LASIK, your surgeon works with the natural shape of your eye to reshape it.
This takes into account any refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. But if the shape of your eye changes after surgery, all that work will be less effective.
It’s important, then, to guarantee your eyes are in their natural shape by giving them a long break from contacts. You’ll have to wear glasses but then you’ll have LASIK and visual freedom. That’s definitely worth it.
2. Take Medication as Directed
When you’re sent home after your procedure, you’ll receive several prescriptions. These will include eye drops for reducing inflammation and preventing infection.
Take all prescriptions as directed. Do not skip any doses!
These medications will ensure your eyes heal properly and prevent infection. Infection after LASIK can cause serious damage to your vision.
Even if your eyes don’t feel irritated, you need to finish the full course of whatever medications your doctor prescribes.
3. Don’t Rub Your Eyes
You should never rub your eyes. Even when you’re not healing after having LASIK, touching your eyes can irritate them.
But when recovering from LASIK, it’s extremely important not to rub your eyes. Not only can you get an infection, but you could displace your corneal flap. This is the top part of your cornea that’s removed and then replaced during the procedure.
If your eyes itch, ask your doctor if you can use artificial tears to soothe them. Preservative-free artificial tear drops can be purchased as an over-the-counter medication.
They are usually deemed safe post-LASIK. Your doctor will also send you home with eye shields to wear over your eyes at night. They aren’t very pretty but they will prevent you from rubbing your eyes in your sleep or on your pillow.
4. Keep Water Out of Your Eyes
You’ll be told to stay out of pools and hot tubs for a couple of weeks after LASIK. Chlorine can be very dangerous if exposed to your eyes.
But you should also avoid getting any water in your eyes, even clean water from the shower. Water can flush dirt and micro-particles on your face into your eyes.
Running water is especially likely to do this, so be very careful. Keep the showerhead lower than head height if possible, or simply stick to baths for a while.
Be extra careful when washing your face, meaning don’t splash any water onto it! If you feel nervous showering, you may want to shower with your eyes closed after LASIK.
Think LASIK sounds like something you can’t live without? Schedule a LASIK consultation at New England Eye Center in Boston, MA today!
