How soon after laser eye surgery can I watch TV?
For several days after laser eye surgery, limiting television viewing, computer work and any activity euphemistically referred to as “staring at a screen” is a must. Why?
Increased tendency to dryness of the eye mucosa
During the first 24 hours of recovery, the eyes are still in the early stages of healing. Their increased tendency to dryness will be even greater when we ignore the recommendation to refrain from watching TV – this can lead to excessive drying of the mucous membrane and a feeling of serious discomfort. Unfortunately, we will not be able to get rid of the burning sensation, the sand under the eyelids, by rubbing the eyes! The operated eye must not be rubbed or pressed.
For 24 hours after the procedure, you should not use electronic devices (TVs, smartphones, tablets, desktop computers, e-book readers). It is important to remember to regularly use antibiotic drops (if recommended by the doctor) and moisturizing drops (with sodium hyaluronate).
During laser eye surgery the sensory fibers of the cornea are damaged, resulting in a disruption of tear film secretion. Thus, in the initial phase of recovery, symptoms of dry eye syndrome may appear, which are temporary and usually pass up to 4 weeks after surgery. However, if we do not follow the doctor’s instructions and sit in front of the TV right after returning from the clinic, the symptoms will significantly intensify and last longer. The operated eye needs an absolute twenty-four hours of rest! And after this time you can return to daily activities, but if this means, for example, working on the computer, it is good to take breaks, for example, every half hour.
Eyes more sensitive to light
It is highly likely that your eyes themselves will impose a rhythm of work and rest – you simply won’t be able to look at a screen for too long, especially a small one such as a smartphone or tablet. You need to be aware that for the first day after laser vision correction surgery, your eyes will be more sensitive to light – including screens of all kinds, but also simply daylight, which means that activities such as reading may also strain your eyes during this period.
Are you afraid that without watching your favorite TV series and reading detective stories you won’t survive recovery from laser vision correction? Not true! Discover the world of audiobooks and podcasts. You’ll be surprised how much fun and pleasure listening instead of watching can give. And when your eyes return to physiological equilibrium, and the process of vision stabilization is complete – which is very individual and depends on both the patient’s predisposition and the vision defect being corrected, as well as the method with which the eyes were operated – you will be able to watch and read again without restraint. Without tirelessness, but always having moisturizing drops at hand.
