A form of refractive surgery is LASIK. This method corrects refractive vision problems by using laser surgery. A refractive error occurs when your eye fails to correctly refract (bend) light. LASIK, or Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, is a procedure that uses an excimer laser to permanently alter the shape of the cornea, the transparent covering of the front of the eye.
You are undoubtedly quite enthusiastic about the quick recovery you have read and heard about if you consider having LASIK. Did you know that one of the body’s tissues with the quickest healing times is the cornea? Because of this, LASIK recovery takes only a day or so. But even though you’ll have excellent eyesight after LASIK, your eyes still need to recover fully and can stop mending. Here are a few expert sleeping suggestions to make your LASIK recuperation comfortable and pain-free.
Goal of LASIK
Light rays must pass through your cornea and lens for you to see clearly. The cornea and lens lands bend light on the retina. The retina turns light into impulses, which the brain interprets as images. When you have refractive irregularities, your cornea or lens shape prevents light from bending appropriately. Your eyesight becomes hazy when light is not focused correctly on the retina.
With LASIK, your ophthalmologist will use a laser to change the shape of your cornea. Laser eye surgery improves light to focus on the retina. LASIK can cure astigmatism, hyperopia (farsightedness), and myopia (nearsightedness). You can improve your vision with LASIK by having your refractive error fixed. You can improve your vision with LASIK by having your refractive error fixed. LASIK eye surgery may decrease your need for eyeglasses or contact lenses. In rare circumstances, it enables you to forgo them entirely.
How should I sleep after LASIK?
Generally speaking, lying face up or on the side that wasn’t operated on allows you to rest or sleep. It would help if you slept raised on pillows after some surgeries to reduce swelling. You should typically put a plastic shield over your eye to relieve pressure. They might instruct you to adopt a specific stance after intraocular gas procedures for retinal detachment. It would be best if you abode by the instructions the retina surgeon provided to your family members, as detailed in the report you were given when you left the clinic.
LASIK/PRK/SMILE patients are frequently advised to wear eye protection, like goggles or even a set of shades, overnight during the first day or two of recovery. However, I have never heard of any restrictions on sleeping on one’s side following LASIK/PRK/SMILE. There are no limits after that. If someone tends to rub their eyes while they sleep, they should wear protection or look into other ways to avoid it.
Keep Your Eyes Safe – For the first 24 hours following your procedure, our LASIK physicians will instruct you to cover your eyes with transparent plastic shields unless you apply eye drops. For the next five days, wear the shields whenever you nap or go to bed at night. You should wear shields for ten nights following your LASIK treatment if you have pets or kids who share your bed. Make sure they are securely glued to avoid touching your eye as you sleep.
Observer’s Rest – While you sleep, your eyes recover, lubricate, and relax. Your corneas will continue to mend if you get 6 hours or more sleep each night. The best strategy to give your eyes the rest they require the first few nights after you should discuss your LASIK procedure with your surgeon if you have insomnia or “simply don’t need much sleep.”
Maintain Eye Lubrication – For the first four weeks following your LASIK procedure, it’s crucial to keep your eyes hydrated and avoid drying out. The following are some suggestions for avoiding dry eyes:
- Follow your surgeon’s instructions while using over-the-counter, preservative-free lubricating drops. If you awaken in the middle of the night, use the chance to apply lubricating drops. It is not necessary to purposefully wake up throughout the night to catch extra droplets, though.
- For the first two weeks, refrain from using a ceiling fan or aiming a fan at your face, not even when you are asleep. Your eyes will become dry from this continual air.
- Do you awaken during the night? To make the necessary plans, let your LASIK surgeon know if you are aware that you do this in advance. Keeping your eyes open will make you uncomfortable, dry out your eyes, and may lead to issues.
Instructions for Post-Op
You must carefully adhere to your doctor’s instructions to ensure a speedy recovery.
ON RETURNING HOME
- Rest for four hours. You will become exhausted from the relaxation medicine we give you.
- You can start eating normally again.
- Close your eyes for at least 3 to 4 hours unless you need to eat, go to the bathroom, or go to or from somewhere your vehicle
MEDICATIONS AND EYECARE
- Refrain from touching your eyes for at least three months following your procedure.
- Your eye doctor will prescribe medication if you inform them during the post-operative visit that your eyes itch.
- You will receive a post-operative bag with safety instructions on the day of your procedure.
- For a week, put on the supplied eye protection before bed or lying down. However, if you sleep on your stomach, you must wear the shields for four weeks. Instead of the eyelids, the shields should rest against the cheek and brow bones.
- For five days, avoid wearing eye makeup (mascara, eyeliner).
- Avoid putting pressure on the eye when removing eye makeup in the first month following surgery. Please ask a staff member for more information if you need it.
