LASIK for astigmatism is a quick outpatient procedure that only takes around 20 to 25 minutes. Recovery is also fairly fast and starts as soon as the surgery is over!
Just like any other medical procedure, it’s important to closely follow your doctor’s aftercare instructions to speed up the recovery process and minimise any potential risks.
Below are some post-LASIK for astigmatism instructions to help make your recovery as safe and comfortable as possible!
1. Ask a friend or family member for help
You won’t be able to drive yourself home due to blurry vision and light sensitivity post-LASIK, so it’s recommended to come to your surgery appointment with a friend who can help to take you home.
Once home, your friend can help administer your eye drops, tuck you in bed, and prepare your meals for you, making your first few hours after LASIK comfortable and worry-free
2. Get enough rest and sleep
One of the best ways to start your recovery after LASIK is to sleep for a minimum of 4 to 5 hours to give your eyes and body time to rest. As the anaesthetic starts to wear off, you’d want to hit the bed and sleep immediately to prevent feeling its effects.
Sleep is a critical component of post-LASIK recovery and it makes a huge difference if you can get enough of it right after the procedure.
Even in the weeks and months after LASIK, try to get as much sleep as possible because that’s easily the best thing you could do to your eyes.
3. Take your medications as prescribed
After LASIK for astigmatism, your surgeon will prescribe you medicines to help with the recovery process and minimise side effects. These often include pain medications, anti-inflammatory medicines, and sometimes antibiotics to prevent infections.
It’s essential that you take these medicines to completion as instructed by your surgeon to achieve the desired results and guarantee a successful and safe recovery.
4. Attend follow-up appointments
The day and weeks after LASIK, you will have follow-up consultations with your surgeon to track your progress and make necessary adjustments to medications.
Generally, follow-up appointments are scheduled 1-2 days after the surgery and then again about 4 weeks later.
If you have concerns regarding the surgery and recovery process, this is your chance to talk to your surgeon about it.
5. Keep your eyes lubricated with eye drops
One of the most common symptoms after LASIK is dry eyes, which can be alleviated by using preservative-free eye drops. These will keep your eyes moist and hydrated, reducing irritation and helping with the cornea’s healing process.
Even if your eyes don’t feel dry, it’s recommended to apply eye drops as directed, usually around 5 to 7 times a day.
Just a friendly reminder here to make sure to wash your hands before applying eye drops. Clean hands help to prevent infection and further irritation!
6. Use eye protection
After undergoing LASIK or any other laser eye surgery, you will be given eye shields or goggles to wear every night for a minimum of 5 days. These are needed to ensure that you don’t touch or rub your eyes at night.
Rubbing your eyes immediately after LASIK can cause various complications like corneal flap dislodgement, slow down the recovery process, and even increase the risk of infections.
7. Limit screen time
To minimise eye strain and discomfort, try to reduce your screen time as much as possible, especially during the first few days of recovery.
If using electronics can’t be avoided, make sure to take frequent breaks by doing the 20-20-20 rule: look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes of screen time.
If you want to know more about laser eye surgeries and whether it’s the right option for you, get in touch with the specialists at Shinagawa Eye Centre for a comprehensive consultation. Call to enquire or book an appointment today!
SOURCES:
https://myvision.org/lasik/post-care/
https://conloneyeinstitute.com/14-tips-recovery-from-lasik-and-prk-surgery/
https://conloneyeinstitute.com/14-tips-recovery-from-lasik-and-prk-surgery/
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