For decades and decades, eye care has been one of the main focuses on the list of things we have to maintain for a healthy lifestyle. Our eyes are one of the most important body parts we use daily to function. If something went wrong with them our activity immediately is slowed down or stopped. Not everyone has great eyesight and so we use the help of prescription eyeglasses and contacts to correct the problem. In recent years however, a new option has been exercised for a more natural feel without the hassle of heavy glasses and irritating contacts. This newer option is Lasik surgery.

Lasik surgery is the reshaping the cornea , the clear front part of the eye, so that light traveling through it is properly focused onto the retina located in the back of the eye with a laser.

This method of surgery is one that has become very popular with people who have conditions with their eyes such as nearsighted, farsighted, or have astigmatism . Although glasses and contacts do help correct these problems they also become bothersome with the day to day steps in maintaining them.

  Why is Lasik Surgery so Popular?

   For contacts, some people dislike the time it takes to put them in, the feel of them rubbing their eyes all day, the

   irritation  which  develops from having them in for a long time, and the continuous supply of eye drops needed to

   replenish their moisture.

   For glasses, some dislike the bulkiness of the frames on their faces, how they aesthetically look in them, how the

   nose pads can rub  against the skin on the nose creating irritation and slight scars, the risk of breaking them and

   having to buy new ones, and the inconvenience of having to take them off at night to prevent breaking them as well.

   So when Lasik surgery became mainstream many thought this was a great thing! No glasses, no contacts, no extra

time to prepare their eyes for the day. All they have to do is just wake up, get ready for the day and go!

The Lasik surgery is pretty straight forward, having the proper preparations before the surgery were key, and also the biggest thing is the recovery period after the surgery.

Recovery Tips for Lasik Surgery

Wear the Goggles!

After your lasik surgery, you will be given goggles or eye shields. You’ll need to wear them when sleeping for the first few nights – these will prevent you from touching your eyes during the night.

No Eye Rubbing!

This is extremely important. Try your best to keep your hands away from your eyes following lasik surgery. If you don’t you can rub bacteria from your hands into your vulnerable eyes and create an infection!

Administer your drops as prescribed!

After you have had lasik surgery, you will have been given a series of eye drops as part of your post-operation plan. It is essential that you administer the drops correctly and as advised by your doctor. Don’t skip doses or use too much!

Wash your hands frequently, and keep them away from your face. When applying eye drops, wash hands thoroughly first. Again, this is a preventive step in not creating an infection!

Rest! Rest! Rest!

When you first return home after having laser eye surgery, resting your eyes is important. Sleep is the only time that our body has a real opportunity to repair, and this is true for laser eye surgery as well. Taking off from work will be necessary to give you a full opportunity to rest.

Stay in clean environments! 

Since your eyes are still very vulnerable to the atmosphere, make sure you stay in places that are as pure as possible. Avoid smoky rooms, dusty environments or areas with chemical vapors such as science labs, printing shops, nail shops, darkrooms for photos etc.

Sunglasses are a Yes!

Your eyes will be sensitive to light after lasik surgery. Avoid extreme levels of sunlight, and when you do go outside, wear sunglasses. Some find that wearing sunglasses indoors also helps.

Avoid straining or body contact sports!

You will be advised not to participate in contact sports for one month following laser eye surgery. You’ll also be asked not to swim for at least two weeks.

No Make-up!

For one week following laser eye surgery you will need to avoid wearing eye make up. Sorry ladies, no eyeliners, mascaras, eye shadows, or false lashes. These things can create infection as well!

Patience is a Virtue!

Your vision will fluctuate during the first few days and weeks post laser eye surgery, and you may see halos around lights. Your eyes may also feel gritty – don’t worry, this is not permanent. Just like any other part of the body, it takes TIME to readjust from something so invasive.

If you want to learn more about Lasik surgery and how you can do this procedure visit your local optometrist for more information!