How to take care of your eyes after laser vision correction surgery

Laser vision correction procedures take 15-20 minutes and within a few hours to a few days – depending on the method by which the procedure is performed. patients regain optimal vision. In superficial methods it is 3-4 months, in invasive methods (LASIK, FemtoLASIK, microlens vision correction) – one day to a few days.

Preparation for surgery is as important as recovery. Right after laser vision correction, the patient rests in the post-operative room for about 2-3 hours. If there are no contraindications, he can go home. A full list of post-operative instructions is given to the patient by the doctor during the post-operative check-up.

Absolute adherence to the doctor’s recommendations guarantees a quick return to full fitness and minimizes the risk of complications.

After laser vision correction surgery, it is recommended:

• On the day of the procedure and for a few days afterwards, avoid driving (FemtoLASIK is an exception – you can drive immediately after the procedure) – the operated eye is hypersensitive to light (this sensitivity may be only temporary or may persist permanently), may tear, and may burn. While the patient can come to the surgery in his own car, he cannot get behind the wheel after the procedure. In the first few days after laser eye surgery, vision is just stabilizing. We may have problems with accommodation, and fluctuations in visual acuity preclude safe driving.

• Limit computer work for a few days after surgery. Even healthy eyes can become overworked and overstimulated when we stare at the monitor for an excessively long time. Computer work and vision defect], which can in some cases lead to the development of a vision defect. Too frequent or prolonged strained accommodative effort can cause myopia to form and develop. The eye after laser surgery is temporarily hypersensitive and must not be fatigued by radiation (each computer monitor emits 4 different types of radiation) or exposed to dry mucous membranes. Importantly, also the brain has to get used to the new visual experience – give it some time.

• Wear sunglasses for several days. Not only should you not expose your eyes to sunlight, but you should also refrain from using tanning beds. Eyeglasses should have a good UV filter to protect against excessive UV rays entering the eye. It is worth remembering that brown or amber eyeglasses are best at stopping blue light, responsible for the most intense sensation of glare. If you prefer black glasses, put them aside for the recovery period – black makes the pupil of the eye dilate so much that much more UV rays enter the eye.

• Watch the eye while bathing. It’s important that no water or soap or shampoo gets into the eye. It’s not only about the possible harmful effects of the cosmetics themselves, but also about the fact that we could then reflexively rub our eyes, and during recovery we should be careful of any violent movements of the hand in the eye area – no rubbing, no squeezing of the eyelids .

• Avoid public pools, dusty and smoky rooms. For a while, the eye will be hyper-reactive and any adverse conditions will induce defensive reactions – tearing, burning, a feeling of squeak under the eyelids – and further, the desire to rub the eye.

• Avoid contact with people suffering from infections such as colds, flu, or infectious diseases. The eye after surgery, like any other organ of our body in a similar situation, requires complete healing under the safest possible conditions.

In case of any doubt, pain or the appearance of inflammation, the patient should immediately see a doctor.