Yes, you can eat edibles after LASIK, but timing and moderation are key to ensuring a smooth recovery.
While there’s no strict medical restriction on consuming edibles, certain precautions are necessary to protect your healing eyes and overall well-being.
LASIK surgery is a life-changing procedure that provides improved vision by reshaping the cornea. Like any surgery, it requires proper care during recovery to maximise outcomes and minimise complications. If you’re someone who consumes edibles—whether for recreational or medicinal purposes—it’s crucial to understand how these substances could interact with your recovery process.
Understanding Edibles and LASIK Recovery
What are Edibles?
Edibles are cannabis-infused food or drink products, ranging from gummies and chocolates to teas and baked goods. Unlike smoking or vaping, edibles enter the body through your digestive system, providing a slower onset but potentially more prolonged effects.
The LASIK Recovery Phase
LASIK surgery typically involves a brief but significant healing window. Within the first 24-48 hours, your cornea begins recovering from the procedure, and your vision stabilises over the following weeks. Common post-procedure symptoms include dryness, light sensitivity, and mild irritation, making it essential to stick to all recommended aftercare guidelines.
Given that your body—and especially your eyes—are in a vulnerable state during recovery, the substances you consume, including edibles, may influence your healing process.
Safety Considerations for Eating Edibles After LASIK
1. Effects on Dry Eye Symptoms
One of the most common post-LASIK symptoms is dry eyes. Cannabis, when consumed in any form, has the potential to exacerbate dryness. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive component in cannabis, is known to reduce saliva production, leading to a “cotton mouth.” This potential for promoting dryness could also extend to your eyes, worsening discomfort.
Pro Tip: Ensure consistent use of lubricating eye drops provided by your doctor to mitigate dryness if you choose to consume edibles. Maintaining proper hydration is essential during this period.
2. Impact on Medication and Healing
After LASIK, patients are typically prescribed medicated eye drops to prevent infection and reduce inflammation. Edibles, depending on their dosage and your body’s metabolism, could interfere with your adherence to the drop schedule. The delayed onset and prolonged effect of edibles may make you drowsy or less aware of sticking to these critical timings.
Additionally, while cannabis is generally considered safe for most people, it can interact with certain medications. Always consult your doctor before combining cannabis or edibles with any prescribed medications.
3. Light Sensitivity and Visual Clarity
Post-LASIK, you may experience increased sensitivity to light and blurry vision for a few days. Edibles with higher THC content can sometimes alter your perception and focus, potentially exacerbating visual discomfort. Overconsumption could further impair your judgment and make managing these temporary side effects more challenging.
Moderation is key—try lower doses or CBD-dominant edibles instead of high-THC ones if you decide to indulge.
4. Potential for Rubbing the Eyes
Edibles’ relaxing or euphoric effects might make you less aware of your actions, like rubbing or touching your eyes. Rubbing your eyes after LASIK is a major no-no, especially during the first few weeks, as it may dislodge the corneal flap created during surgery.
Avoid putting yourself in situations where you might unconsciously jeopardise your recovery, even under the influence of edibles.
Tips to Safely Consume Edibles After LASIK
If you decide to eat edibles during your LASIK recovery, here are some tips to do so safely:
- Wait at Least 24-48 Hours Post-Surgery: Allow your body to recover from the initial stress of the procedure before introducing edibles.
- Start with a Low Dose: If your goal is relaxation or pain relief, opt for a small dose to minimise any potential adverse effects on your eyes and overall recovery.
- Stick to CBD-Dominant Edibles: CBD (cannabidiol) is a non-psychoactive component of cannabis that may offer relaxation and anti-inflammatory benefits without the potential for intoxication.
- Choose Edibles Without Potential Irritants: Avoid sugary or heavily processed edibles that could impact your hydration levels or overall well-being.
- Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate: Drink plenty of water to combat any dryness caused by THC and maintain eye hydration.
- Avoid Overconsumption: Excessive intake can lead to drowsiness or impaired focus, making you less likely to follow your post-LASIK care routine meticulously.
Benefits of Edibles After LASIK (When Used Responsibly)
When consumed responsibly and in moderation, edibles may provide some benefits during the recovery process:
- Pain Relief: For those experiencing mild post-surgery discomfort, cannabis edibles, particularly CBD-infused ones, can help alleviate pain without relying solely on medication.
- Reduced Stress and Anxiety: The procedure and recovery process can sometimes cause anxiety. Low doses of edibles may help you relax and remain calm.
- Better Sleep: Rest is crucial for healing, and edibles can aid in improving the quality of your sleep if taken during the evening.
Keep in mind that these benefits are only achievable when edibles are consumed thoughtfully, following medical advice and personalised care protocols.
When to Avoid Edibles Altogether?
- If You’re New to Edibles: If you’ve never consumed edibles before, post-LASIK recovery is not the time to experiment. Unfamiliar effects could complicate your ability to follow care routines.
- If You’ve Been Advised Against Cannabis Use: If your doctor has expressed concerns over cannabis use for your medical history, avoid edibles entirely.
- If You Experience Adverse Side Effects: If consuming edibles intensifies dryness, irritation, or discomfort, discontinue use immediately and consult your doctor.
Final Verdict
It’s generally safe to eat edibles after LASIK, but precautions are essential. Moderation, timing, and choosing the right type of edible (preferably CBD-dominant) will help ensure your recovery isn’t hindered. Always follow your doctor’s advice to prioritise your healing and vision.
Your eyes deserve the best care possible after LASIK, so be mindful of what you consume during recovery. When in doubt, consult your healthcare provider before making decisions that could impact your healing process.
