Dos and Don’ts After LASIK Eye Surgery

Why aftercare is important

LASIK eye surgery is designed to reshape the cornea to help improve how light focuses inside the eye. While the procedure itself is usually quick, your recovery continues after you leave the clinic.

Taking good care of your eyes during the healing process is an important part of recovery. Following your surgeon’s instructions may help support healing and reduce the chance of complications.¹https://americanrefractivesurgerycouncil.org/lasik-complication-rate-side-effects/

Every person heals differently. Your surgeon will provide advice that is specific to your eyes and your treatment.

Do rest your eyes

Give your eyes time to heal

One of the best things you can do after LASIK is rest.

Many people are advised to go home and rest or sleep for several hours after the procedure. This gives the eyes time to begin healing.

It is normal for your eyes to feel watery, sensitive, or slightly uncomfortable during the first day.²https://www.verywellhealth.com/lasik-surgery-long-term-care-4847046

Taking it easy can help make the first stage of recovery more comfortable.

Listen to your body

Some people notice that their eyes feel tired during the first few days.

If your eyes feel strained, take regular breaks and allow them time to recover.³https://crstoday.com/articles/2014-jan/enhancing-the-speed-of-visual-recovery-after-lasik

Healing takes time, and it is important not to rush back into your normal routine.

Don’t rub your eyes

Protect the healing cornea

After LASIK, the surface of your eye needs time to heal.

Even if your eyes feel itchy or gritty, avoid rubbing them.

Rubbing your eyes may interfere with healing.⁴https://crstoday.com/articles/2014-jan/enhancing-the-speed-of-visual-recovery-after-lasik

If your eyes feel uncomfortable, use the eye drops recommended by your surgeon and contact the clinic if you have concerns.

Do use your eye drops

Follow your treatment plan

Your surgeon will usually prescribe eye drops after LASIK.

These drops help support healing and keep your eyes comfortable.

Use your eye drops exactly as instructed.

Missing doses or stopping them too early may affect your recovery.⁵https://crstoday.com/articles/2014-jan/enhancing-the-speed-of-visual-recovery-after-lasik

Keep your eyes comfortable

Some people experience dry eyes after LASIK.

Lubricating eye drops may help relieve dryness while your eyes recover.

If dryness continues or becomes uncomfortable, speak with your surgeon.

Don’t get water in your eyes

Avoid swimming and spas

Water may contain bacteria that can irritate healing eyes.

For this reason, your surgeon may recommend avoiding swimming pools, spas, and natural bodies of water for a period after surgery.

Follow your surgeon’s advice about when it is safe to return to these activities.

Be careful when showering

You can usually shower after LASIK, but try to avoid getting water, shampoo, or soap directly into your eyes.

Taking extra care during the first few days can help protect your healing eyes.

Do protect your eyes outdoors

Wear sunglasses

Many people notice increased light sensitivity after LASIK.

Wearing sunglasses outside can make your eyes feel more comfortable while they heal.

They also help protect your eyes from wind, dust, and bright sunlight.

Avoid dusty environments

Dust and smoke may irritate healing eyes.

If possible, avoid places where your eyes may be exposed to airborne particles during the early stages of recovery.

Don’t wear eye makeup too soon

Give your eyes time to recover

Eye makeup may introduce bacteria around the eyes.

It is usually safe to wear makeup 4 weeks post surgery but, your surgeon will advise when it is safe to begin wearing eye makeup again.

Following this advice may help reduce the risk of irritation or infection.

Do attend your follow-up appointments

Let your surgeon check your progress

Follow-up appointments are an important part of your recovery.⁶https://crstoday.com/articles/2014-jan/enhancing-the-speed-of-visual-recovery-after-lasik

These visits allow your surgeon to examine your eyes and monitor healing.

They also provide an opportunity to ask questions about your recovery.

Even if your eyes feel comfortable, it is important to attend all scheduled appointments.

Don’t return to strenuous exercise too soon

Ease back into activity

Light daily activities may be possible quite soon after surgery, but strenuous exercise may need to wait.

Activities that cause sweat to enter the eyes or increase the chance of eye injury should be avoided until your surgeon advises they are safe.

Recovery timelines vary from person to person.

Always follow the advice given by your treating surgeon.

Do be patient with your vision

Healing takes time

Many people notice improvements in vision within the first day after LASIK.⁷https://crstoday.com/articles/2014-jan/enhancing-the-speed-of-visual-recovery-after-lasik

However, vision can continue to change while the eyes heal.

Some people experience temporary glare, halos, dry eyes, or blurry vision during recovery.⁸https://crstoday.com/articles/2014-jan/enhancing-the-speed-of-visual-recovery-after-lasik

These symptoms often improve with time, but healing is different for everyone.

Results vary between individuals, and no outcome can be guaranteed.

Don’t ignore unusual symptoms

Know when to contact your surgeon

Mild discomfort and temporary blurry vision are common after LASIK.

However, if you experience severe pain, a sudden decrease in vision, increasing redness, or symptoms that concern you, contact your surgeon promptly.⁹https://crstoday.com/articles/2014-jan/enhancing-the-speed-of-visual-recovery-after-lasik

Your surgical team can assess your symptoms and provide appropriate advice.

Do keep your eyes clean

Wash your hands first

Always wash and dry your hands before touching your eyes or using your eye drops.

This helps reduce the chance of getting germs into your eyes while they heal.

Keep your eye drops clean

Do not let the tip of your eye drop bottle touch your eye, eyelashes, or skin.

Keep your eye drops stored as instructed by your surgeon and do not share them with anyone else.

If you need to wipe around your eyes, use a clean tissue and avoid rubbing your eyes.

Take care when washing

Your surgeon may advise you to take extra care when showering or washing your face.

Avoid getting soap, shampoo, or water directly into your eyes while they heal.

Follow the specific hygiene and aftercare instructions given to you by your surgeon.

Supporting a smooth recovery

Recovering from LASIK is not only about the procedure itself. The choices you make during the days and weeks afterwards are also important.

Resting your eyes, using your prescribed eye drops, attending follow-up appointments, and following your surgeon’s advice all help support the healing process.

Every recovery is unique, so it is important to follow instructions that are specific to your treatment.

Learn more about LASIK recovery

Good aftercare plays an important role in your LASIK journey. While many people recover quickly, giving your eyes the time and care they need can help support the healing process.

At Envision Eye Centre, every patient receives detailed guidance before and after LASIK surgery. Our experienced team is here to answer your questions and help you understand what to expect throughout your recovery.

Take the next step

If you are considering laser eye surgery, the first step is finding out whether LASIK may be suitable for your eyes.

Take the suitability self test today to learn whether LASIK eye surgery may be suitable for your vision needs.