Once you have made the decision to have LASIK, you may be wondering what your post-operative care will entail. While everyones body heals differently, and some people may report different healing sensations, here is a general guideline of what you can expect.
Your eyes may feel irritation like the sensation of sandpaper. They may tear and water for a few days following your procedure. This is completely normal. Most patients are quite comfortable after a short nap while wearing protective eye wear. For the first few days after your procedure it may be recommended that you wear your protective eye shields while sleeping. Try not to rub your eyes while they are healing. If you are experiencing discomfort, your doctor may prescribe a mild pain reliever.
Several LASIK patients report dramatic vision results within days, sometimes even hours of their procedure. Patients who have a higher prescription may take a little longer to notice visual healing results, however it all depends on the individual and their healing patterns. Most patients are able to return to work within 2-3 days of their procedure, and resume most normal activities shortly after. Attached is a general timeline for post LASIK activities.
- 1 full day before taking a shower.
- 1 day to 1 week, as your doctor advises, before resuming driving.
- Sunglasses for the first few days.
- Read and watch TV in moderation the first few days.
- Do not wear eye makeup for 4 days.
- Do not rub your eyes for 1 week.
- Do not exercise for 1 week.
- Avoid swimming, hot tubs and whirlpools for one week.
- Avoid gardening and dusty environments for one week.
- Avoid contact sports that could result in an eye injury for one month.
- Smoking is allowed, but you will probably find smoke very irritating.
February 24, 2012 at 5:24 pm
What is the reason behind not exercising for one week?
February 27, 2012 at 9:59 am
To not create any unnecessary pressure within the eye. The corneal incision can take a up to a few weeks to heal depending on the type of procedure you have had.
March 23, 2012 at 12:25 pm
What about contact lenses? Can i wear them until the day of my surgery?
March 26, 2012 at 2:18 pm
Since contact lenses can change the shape of your eye it is recommend that contact lenses be removed for a period of time prior to your scheduled LASIK procedure. It is best to work directly with your eye doctor to determine how long you will be required to stop wearing your contact lenses.
Many factors can contribute to the length of time that you may be required to stop wearing your contact lenses prior to your LAISK procedure. A few key ones are; the type of contacts, how long you have been wearing them and any other eye health related concerns that your regular eye doctor would have knowledge of.
May 14, 2012 at 11:35 pm
I am scheduled to go for a 20-minute sightseeing flight over Seattle 2 days after LASIK. Is that an OK activity?
May 15, 2012 at 9:57 am
Nathalie – Unless your TLC doctors advise you otherwise, flying 2 days after lasik is acceptable and not contraindicated. Enjoy the sights with your new vision! Post or Tweet us a few pics letting us know what it was like to see so clearly. Hope you have an amazing flight!