Valley Laser Eye Centre Logo in White
Book a Consultation

The 9 Best LASIK Aftercare Tips for Faster Recovery

LASIK, or Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, is a refractive surgery used to correct vision problems. LASIK surgery is performed by using a laser to reshape the cornea, the clear, round dome at the front of the eye. This helps to correct refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. 

Most people with LASIK surgery experience little to no pain and have improved vision within a day or two. Side effects are usually mild and temporary. However, it is important to know how the aftercare should go post-LASIK. In this article, we will discuss the aftercare timeline of LASIK and how you can help speed up your recovery.

1. Get Plenty of Rest

After your LASIK surgery, it is important to get plenty of rest. This will help your body to heal and reduce the risk of complications. You should avoid activities that could cause eye strain, such as reading or using a computer. It is also important to avoid rubbing your eyes.

2. Apply Ice

You may experience some swelling and discomfort after your surgery. Applying ice can help reduce swelling and soothe any pain. Place a cold compress around your eyes for 15 minutes at a time, several times a day for the first few days.

3. Use Eye Drops

Your doctor will likely prescribe eye drops to help with the healing process. These eye drops will help to keep your eyes lubricated and prevent infection. It is important to use them as directed.

4. Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes

It’s important to avoid rubbing your eyes for the first few weeks after surgery. Rubbing can cause the incisions to open and could lead to an infection or other complications.

5. Take It Easy

You’ll need to take it easy for the first few days after surgery. Avoid strenuous activities and give yourself time to rest. Your doctor will likely recommend you take a few days off from work or school.

After a few days, you can gradually increase your activity level. But it’s important to avoid activities that could cause you to strain your eyes, such as reading in dim light or using a computer for long periods.

6. Protect Your Eyes from the Sun

Your eyes will be more sensitive to light than usual for several weeks. Wear sunglasses when outdoors until your eyes have healed.

7. Avoid Water

Avoid getting water in your eyes for at least one week after surgery. This includes swimming, showering, washing your face and using a hot tub. If you must get water near your eyes, be sure to wear goggles or some other form of eye protection.

8. Protect Your Eyes from Dust and Debris

You should also avoid contact with dirt, dust and other debris for several weeks after surgery. Wear protective eyewear when you are outside or working in dusty environments.

9. See Your Doctor for Follow-up Appointments

After surgery, it’s important to see your doctor for follow-up appointments. During these appointments, your doctor will check your vision and make sure your eyes are healing properly.

Conclusion

It is important to follow the aftercare instructions given by your doctor to ensure a faster and more successful recovery from LASIK surgery. These instructions may include wearing protective eyewear, using artificial tears to keep your eyes lubricated, and avoiding rubbing or touching your eyes. If you experience any problems or discomfort after your surgery, be sure to contact your doctor immediately.

If you are interested in LASIK surgery, you can contact us at Valley Laser Eye Centre. Located in Abbotsford, BC, we specialize in correcting vision. Book an appointment with us at Valley Laser Eye Centre today.

Share:

Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
LinkedIn

Related Posts

A close-up of a woman's eye

Refractive Lens Exchange vs Cataract Surgery: What’s the Difference?

If you have been researching ways to improve your vision, you may have come across both Refractive Lens Exchange and Cataract Surgery. At first glance, these two procedures can seem almost identical, and in many ways, they are. Both involve removing the eye’s natural lens and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens to improve vision.

So what makes them different?

The main difference is why the lens is being removed.

In cataract surgery, the natural lens has become cloudy and is interfering with vision. In Refractive Lens Exchange, the natural lens is still clear, but it is no longer providing the quality of vision you want, often because of age-related reading changes, farsightedness, or a desire to reduce dependence on glasses.

driving at night

Can Cataracts Cause Night Glare, Halos, And Trouble Driving?

If headlights seem too bright, streetlights look surrounded by rings, or driving at night feels more stressful than it used to, cataracts may be part of the reason.

Many people think cataracts only cause blurry vision. In reality, they often affect quality of vision even before eyesight seems severely reduced on a chart. One of the most common early complaints is difficulty seeing clearly in low light, especially while driving at night. Glare, halos, poor contrast, and a general loss of sharpness can all make evening driving feel uncomfortable or even unsafe.

a woman getting eye surgery

Can You Have Cataract Surgery If You’ve Had Previous Vision Correction?

The short answer is yes. In many cases, you can still have cataract surgery if you have had previous vision correction such as LASIK, PRK, or other refractive procedures. The more important question is not whether cataract surgery is possible, but how carefully it is planned. Previous vision correction changes the optics of the eye, which means cataract surgery after LASIK or PRK often requires more advanced measurements, thoughtful lens selection, and a surgeon who understands how earlier procedures can affect the final result. 

If you are noticing blurred vision years after laser vision correction, you are not alone. Many patients who once enjoyed excellent distance vision later develop cataracts simply because the natural lens ages over time. A previous refractive procedure does not disqualify you from cataract surgery. It does mean your surgical plan should be individualized. At Valley Laser Eye Centre, that conversation may involve your history ofLASIK,PRK, or other correction, along with your current symptoms, lifestyle goals, and lens options such as those discussed on theCataract Surgery andRefractive Lens Exchange pages.