A laser eye surgery is one of the most recent developments in the segment of latest technological inventions for eye care and is generally undergone to rectify vision impairment in an individual. Although, a very convenient, safe and painless procedure, there are certain specific precautions which one has to keep in mind, post surgery, to ensure a smooth and hassle free recovery in order to avoid post-operative complications.
Precautions post lasik eye surgery
1. Get transportation ready
It is very important to put your eyes to rest immediately after a refractive surgery. Even if permitted by the doctor, you should not take the risk of driving your way back home all by yourself. Make sure to arrange for proper transportation to carry you back from the clinic to your residence, safely without putting any undue pressure on your eyes. Indulging in driving a vehicle can tire your eyes. Also, any unwanted sharp reflection of light can expose your eyes to unnecessary stress which may cause damage to the operated organ. The best would be to relax back and keep your eyes shut while someone else does the needful to safely transfer you from your hospital to the confines of your bedroom.
2. No television and computers
If you want to keep at bay post operational complications, make sure not to indulge in any activity, big or small, which requires direct eye contact. Right from watching television, reading books, working on the computer or any other physical or mental activity which asks for strenuous eye involvement, it should be completely avoided for a minimum of first 24 hours after the operation. Your eyes should be given freedom just to rest and be at peace.
3. Prevention against infection
Direct sports activities can expose your eyes to infection and strain which should be avoided under all circumstances in the initial few days after the surgery. During the game, you might end up hurting your eyes, especially those sport activities which involve big movements might lead to dislocation of the flap which would call for an alarming situation and an immediate contact with your physician for rectification of the wrong done. Swimming, too, should not be done at any cost at least during the first 10 days as the chlorine water may result in an eye infection, thereby worsening the situation.
4. Avoid rubbing your eyes
Just after the surgery your eyes are highly tender and delicate and it thus calls for additional prevention and care, especially during the first 7 days. Rubbing your eyes at this stage can dislodge the flap which can raise new complications and call for further treatment. The best solution is to wear a protective eye shield, especially before going to bed, as unknowingly or unintentionally you might end up rubbing your eyes while in deep slumber. During the first few days after the surgery, you might feel some irritation and discomfort in the form of a burning sensation when the droplet anesthetics begin to lose its effectiveness, thereby inducing you to rub your eyes more often, the feeling of which can be equated to wearing a dirty pair of lenses or experiencing an itchy feeling in the eye. Moreover, sensitivity to light, star bursts, glares and halos around bright lights or even blood-shots in the white region of the eye are certain issues which might encourage scratching and rubbing of the eyes.
5. Look cool and protect your eyes
Post surgery, doctors advice to use the darkest sunglasses with full UVA and UVB as they provide with the best protection, even if it is cloudy or rainy outside. A pair of smart goggles, apart from imparting a cool look to your personality, can shield your eyes from direct sunlight, dust and other impurities from entering into them. They can even be helpful in preventing harsh winds from blowing directly into your eyes which may create an itchy and dry feeling, thereby tempting you to rub them. Avoid wearing contact lens even if you have a blurry vision as this might cause infection and dryness in the eyes. Consult your doctor before switching to them. Remember, even normal intensity lights which were soft on your eyes prior to your surgery may now appear harsh and bright to the eyes.
6. No eye make up
In the initial week after the surgery, you should completely refrain from using any artificial coloring, make-up, lotion or eye creams which can induce chances of infection within the eye.Some of these cosmetics contain alcohol or other sensitive chemicals which can cause reaction within the eye as well as in the outer eyelid region, causing severe infection and a call for emergency. So, it is any-day better to stop using these products for a short time period rather then exposing your eyes to a long term risk. Even hair color, hair spray or shaving lotions should be avoided at least during the first week of the surgery. Remember, precaution is better than cure, and when it comes to eyes, it cannot be replaced with a second pair.
7. Stay away from smoky or dusty surroundings
Small dust particles, smoke or direct bouts of wind can cause irritation to your eyes as a result of a feeling of dryness, itchiness and burning sensation which in turn would encourage you to rub them and thereby hurt them in the process. It would be best to keep indoors during the initial days after your surgery, especially if your vicinity has dust rising with every passing vehicle.
8. Take baths instead of showers
Taking a shower leads to sprinkling of water all over which can easily reach the operated eye region. So, not for pampering and satiating your senses, but for protecting your eyes from injury and harm, avoid taking showers or splashing water onto your face directly while washing yourself. Instead, use a towel, face cloth or tissue to wipe your face gently, especially around the eye region, without involving in scrubbing it harshly or putting pressure on it with hasty hand movements. Just dab your eyes slowly and cautiously so as to prevent water droplets from entering into them. Also, avoid washing your hair or using soap for the initial 24 hours after the surgery to avoid any king of chemical reaction from taking place which may in turn worsen things for you.
9. Do not drink alcohol
It is advisable to refrain from drinking immediately after your eye surgery as under the influence of alcohol you might not be as mindful and alert as you should be just after a serious operation. The most important thing post eye surgery is to be cautious of your own actions so as to protect your eyes from any kind of accidents or injuries at all cost. Remember, even if you rub your eyes absentmindedly, it would raise a question on your commitment and seriousness towards taking necessary precautions for every little attempt to protect your eyes, which is most expected out of you as a mature and sensible individual, at this hour. So, stay away from putting any kind of pressure on your eyes and remain safe from any possible unfavorable action from taking place, if you wish to stay away from post operative complications which in the longer run can cause problems in your vision.
Conclusion
To sum up, your refractive eye surgery should be smooth sailing and to ensure that strictly you should meticulously follow all instructions given by the doctor, before and after the surgery.Your first consultation, post-operation, with your physician should be within 24 hours after the surgery. If you experience any serious discomfort, do let your doctor know immediately about it. Also, if you are not fully satisfied with the surgery conducted on you, contact your surgeon and ask him for a repeat treatment. The doctor would advice a course of anti-inflammatory and anti-biotic eye drops which you should continue putting in your eyes on a regular basis as instructed. Your follow-ups with your doctor should continue for 3 to 6 months post surgery. Even in between the check-up time periods, should you ever feel any unusual symptoms or complications from erupting, do not hesitate and wait for your next follow-up date to arrive, instead get in touch with your physician immediately without further delay or else you may end up losing your vision. Remember, you would never be given a spare pair of eyes if you lose your original ones.