Eye surgery is a life-changing experience, and you will be able to see more clearly with a feeling of new-found freedom. However, the success of your laser eye surgery in California also depends on how well you treat your eyes after surgery. Proper post-operative care is essential in order to maximize healing and long-term success. If you have no idea what to do following your surgery, the following is a guide that provides useful do’s and don’ts to set your recovery on the correct track.
Do’s
Follow Your Doctor’s Orders
Every procedure and patient is unique, so your doctor will provide you with tailored post-op instructions for your unique situation. Being strictly loyal to your doctor’s orders is all-important for a hassle-free experience. Whether protection shields or activity limits monitoring, your doctor has crafted instructions with the intention of protecting your eyes during their exposed stage.
Use Eye Drops as Ordered
Your eye drops have commonly been prescribed to accomplish a few things: prevent infection, reduce swelling, and keep your eyes wet. Remember to take them on time and as you were instructed by your surgeon. Not taking them may increase the risk of complication like infection or healing complications. Set reminders if you need to so you will not miss a dose.
Wear Protective Eyewear
Harsh light, dust, or accidental bumping can injure healing eyes. To protect your investment, wear the protective glasses your doctor suggests at all times, especially in the first weeks after surgery. Sunglasses must also be worn to protect eyes from UV light and reduce light sensitivity.
Attend All Follow-Up Appointments
Follow-up visits give your surgeon a chance to monitor your healing and address concerns you might have. These are a vital part of your recovery routine, as they check for any hidden issues, such as infections and complications, that should be addressed. If you do not feel okay, do not skip these appointments.
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Don’ts
Rub Your Eyes
Rubbing eyes may be unavoidable when you experience itchiness or irritation. Touching the eyes, however, is likely to come with bacteria and increase infections or injury to the healing tissues. When you feel irritation, use medication as directed or consult your surgeon for relief.
Perform Strenuous Activities
Physical exertion, like exercise or heavy lifting, stresses in your eyes that could harm delicate tissues healing. Stay on light duty and avoid bending back and forth until your doctor clears you. Sporting activities, especially contact sports, are absolutely forbidden for a few weeks following surgery.
Expose the Eyes to Harsh Environments
Your vision is sensitive after surgery and has to be protected from dangerous chemicals. Avoid exposure to places with a lot of wind, dust, or smoke, and swimming in pools or hot tubs because the water may have bacteria. These have to be taken until your vision is fully restored.
Miss Medications
Forgetting your medications when you are recovering, as instructed by your physician, can lead to severe complications. Antibiotics destroy germs to avoid infection, and anti-inflammatory drugs help heal. Forgetting any of your doses can slow down the healing and bring unwanted setbacks. Follow your prescribed dosage regimen strictly to maintain your healing on a smooth, successful path.
Take Care for Vision That Lasts
Healing from eye surgery requires patience, honesty, and commitment to self-care. By doing what your physician instructs you to do, being careful, and adhering to medication schedules, you give your eyes the best chance to heal normally. In so doing, not engaging in destructive behaviors such as rubbing your eyes or exposing them to irritants is just as important.
Make your post-operative care an investment in your future. If you do all these things and take good care of your eyes afterward, you can have sharper vision for many years to come. Always question your doctor if you ever have any concerns about anything related to your recovery—when it comes to your eyes, there is no such thing as being too careful.
