Things You Should Never Do After Getting LASIK

If you are like the many people in the world who weren't blessed with perfect 20/20 vision, you understand how it feels to have problems seeing the world clearly. Leaving your glasses or contact lenses at home could leave you seeing nothing but blurry, indistinguishable blobs that make you wonder if there is anything else you could do to improve your eyesight.

In recent years, LASIK eye surgery has become increasingly popular among people seeking to correct their vision. According to the Mayo Clinic, the procedure can be done to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. During the surgery, your doctor will use instruments to hold open your eyelids and cut a small flap on the top layer of your cornea, allowing access to the deeper layers. You will be asked to stare with fixed attention at a light as the laser reshapes your cornea. The corneal flap is then folded back into place and usually heals on its own without the need for stitches. 

The surgery has the potential to improve eyesight dramatically, with the Mayo Clinic reporting that over 8 out of 10 people who complete LASIK no longer feel the need to wear their glasses or contact lenses during their daily activities. However, you likely won't notice these visual improvements right away, as it will take approximately two to three months for your eyes to fully heal once the procedure is completed. Like any other surgery, there are some post-surgery precautions to keep in mind for optimal healing after LASIK.

After getting LASIK eye surgery, you will need time for your eyes to recuperate, and it's crucial to follow your doctor's aftercare instructions. As reported by ADV Vision Centers, your surgeon will likely provide you with medications and eye drops, which you shouldn't stop using unless specifically directed to do so. 

You can take a bath following your surgery, but it's wise not to take a shower, as the water and steam can be harmful to your eyes. Furthermore, the NeoVision Eye Center advises not to swim in pools, hot tubs, saunas, or any bodies of water for at least two weeks after the procedure. Even after these two weeks, you should wear goggles or close your eyes while underwater. As your cornea is healing, water can irritate and dry your eyes, or cause an infection.

In addition, it's necessary to limit your screen time during the first 24 to 48 hours of your healing process. The NeoVision Eye Center stresses that the wavelengths of light emitted from your smartphone, computer, and televisions can be especially damaging to your eyes during this time period. ADV Vision Centers adds that reading print media such as books and magazines can strain the eyes. You should also avoid wearing eye makeup for at least a week after surgery, as bacteria can be transmitted from makeup tools and lead to infection. Sports and hard workouts should also be avoided for a month, since sweat can irritate the eyes.