Lasik Post Surgery Expectations.
Immediately following your lasik surgery, your eyes are going to be begging you to rub them, but don't do it! There are no stitches holding your cornea in place, so any rubbing could severely complicate your recovery. You're eyes will also feel as those you've got some little particle of dust stuck in them. Try your best to ignore this as it's only going to add to your frustration. The good thing is, recovery is irritating, but rarely painful.
Before you know it all this irritation will be gone and you'll be well on your way to a full recovery. Sometimes it only takes 3 or 4 days before you feel better. Don't take any chances. If you feel your recovery isn't going well, call your doctor. These are your eyes and you can't be too careful. Call your doctor immediately if things begin to feel more irritated or painful than the day before. It's probably best to schedule a few vacation or sick days.
Your doctor visits will start about 2 to 3 days after your surgery and periodically over the next 5 to 6 months. It's very important your eyes heal properly and the only way to know is with proper eye exams.
Eye make-up and skin creams are best kept away from your eyes for the first 2 weeks. Most doctors will advice you to take a few weeks off from the beach or pool as well. So, if you have a big swim meet or a weekend at the lake planned, schedule your lasik surgery for another time. Make sure your doctor talks to you about eye drops as well. They can really help.
During the 1st month after surgery you're going to want to keep all of your sports activity as mild as possible. That doesn't mean you have to give up working out, just don't engage in anything that might be considered a contact sport. At least for the first 4 weeks. You can typically begin non-contact activity after the first week.
Don't be surprised if it takes a good 90 to 180 days for your eyes to return to their normal feeling. You'll notice right away an improvement in your vision but your eyes will feel a little "off" until they've completely healed. Be careful with driving after the sun has gone down, as some patients experience a glaring from the lights. This can produce a hazard for you and other drivers around you.
There is always a risk of some sort of infection, so never hesitate to contact your doctor at the first sign of complications or worsening conditions. Don't brush safety aside and your healing process will go smoothly.
February 28 2009 | Cosmetic Surgery | No Comments »