LASIK surgery is one of the most prevalent eye procedures that helps people with refractive abnormalities, including nearsightedness and farsightedness, lessen reliance on eyeglasses or contact lenses. After surgery, many patients report seeing better right away. After LASIK surgery, no bandages or stitches are necessary. There is no pain or scarring from the minimally invasive procedure. You can have some moderate discomfort immediately following surgery. This article will be helpful if you are thinking about getting LASIK eye surgery and are curious about the healing process and the necessary safety measures.
What takes place during the LASIK procedure?
The LASIK procedure is carried out under a local anesthetic. The eye surgeon modifies the cornea to enhance eyesight. The corneal tissue is altered during surgery, and the corneal flap is removed painlessly. Once more, the flap is secured in position. An eye shield is applied to the operated eye to protect it after the procedure. Each eye’s treatment takes less than 20 minutes, although preoperative and postoperative steps could take several hours.
Rest period
After LASIK eye surgery, healing typically lasts six weeks to 9 months. It differs from patient to patient. During your follow-up appointments, your eye surgeon will carefully assess your development. Many patients have no trouble returning to their regular routines. A few factors are:
- Regaining control
- Limit your screen time
- Avoid excessive exercise
- For a few days, avoid swimming.
- When traveling, use caution.
- The first week, no eye makeup.
- Alcohol and surgery don’t mix well.
Ideal screen time
For at least 24 hours following surgery, you should avoid using smartphones, computers, e-readers, TVs, and other screens altogether. Avoid sitting in places with bright lights at home. Additionally, as it would strain your eyes, you should avoid reading a book. Your healing will proceed more quickly and smoothly with time away from digital devices. It’s advised that you ease back into utilizing electronic gadgets before you start using them again. Keep moisturizing your eyes with the eye drops your doctor has suggested because prolonged exposure to digital screens might dry out your eyes.
After LASIK, give your eyes some downtime. To allow your eyes a chance to heal correctly, you should rest them during the first day of your recovery. For the first 24 hours following LASIK, we advise that you refrain from staring at any displays, including those on your phone, computer, tablet, or television. After this initial period of relaxation, you can progressively increase your screen time over the next few days.
Generally speaking, a few days following LASIK, you’ll be able to use your computer without any restrictions. It’s crucial to realize that these are merely broad recommendations. The rate of recovery for each person’s eyes varies. Our eye doctors will provide a specific time frame based on how quickly your eyes heal.
You may have more significant eyestrain than usual when using a computer, tablet, smartphone, or playing video games since you do not blink as often when concentrating on the screen as you would ordinarily. Your eyes can dry out as a result of this.
Please keep your eye drops close at hand and use them liberally when using the computer for the first week or two following LASIK. Consider applying the 20-20-20 rule as well. Every 20 minutes, pause for 20 seconds to examine something at least 20 feet away from your computer. At this time, you should also use eye drops. It can allow your eyes to recover before turning back to the screen.
After LASIK, Take Care When Using a Computer
Your eyes will still be mending for a few weeks following LASIK. As a result, they can be more susceptible to experiencing moisture loss and dry eyes. Since humans tend to blink less when gazing at a computer screen, using one may worsen this problem.
In the initial weeks following LASIK, taking the following steps will lessen the possibility of developing dry eye symptoms while using a computer:
- To keep your eyes moist when staring at a computer screen, use the artificial tears our LASIK surgeons will give.
- Try to blink your eyes often while using a computer.
Throughout the LASIK recuperation process, you should also get ample sleep. The time you sleep, your eyes can rest for a while. For a few weeks following LASIK, try to get to bed early and refrain from using your phone or computer in bed before you turn in.
Naturally, it’s wise to pay attention to your body. Turn off the computer to allow your eyes extra time to rest if you become irritated or uncomfortable. It would be great if you put forth a little effort during the first few weeks after LASIK. You’ll get better outcomes if you give your eyes the required healing time.
When I get LASIK, can I watch TV?
In a nutshell, sure, but not for at least 24 hours. Your eyes will be tired and uncomfortable during the first 24 hours after LASIK. It may be tough to see since they may be cloudy. It is preferable to give them at least a day—preferably two—to recuperate before allowing them to watch TV.
Other screens are similarly accurate. As they can intensify eyestrain, smartphones, tablets, and computers may need to be avoided for a little longer than 24 hours — perhaps closer to 48 hours. After LASIK surgery, your eyes will require some time to recover.
Some light wavelengths, like blue wavelengths and LED (light-emitting diode) white light wavelengths, used by TVs, laptops, tablets, and smartphones, can be hazardous to the eyes. These kinds of wavelengths can become more harmful the longer they are observed.
Your eyes will be compassionate following LASIK surgery and require additional protection than usual. One of the suggestions after surgery is to avoid the sun for a few days and use sunglasses to shield your eyes from UV (ultraviolet) rays. However, it would be best to shield your eyes from the potentially harmful light that screens and other artificial lighting sources like the sun emit.
