After Lasik eye surgery - 5 things to avoid

What you do after lasik eye surgery is just as important as the action you took before the operation.

You’ve probably been a good patient.

You investigated the procedure and checked out the surgeons and clinics in your area.   Then you made an informed choice.

You followed all the pre-operation instructions to the letter, and the procedure went well.

Now make sure that you follow the post-operation instructions.

Do not drive.

Your Lasik surgeon will almost certainly tell you not to drive for a while after Lasik eye surgery.

The way you heal will decide how soon you can get back behind the wheel.  Most Lasik patients are allowed to drive short distances as soon as 48 hours after the procedure.

If you have problems with low-light vision, you may need to limit your night time driving for a while.

It’s quite common for Lasik patients to experience some sensitivity to light.  If you do, wear sunglasses when driving during the day.

You may need to miss work for up to four days after lasik eye surgery. It depends on what you do.  You certaintly need to let your eye(s) rest for some time to allow healing to take place.

Don't miss post-operative appointments.

Your Lasik surgeon will suggest that you make appointments for post-operation exams to check the healing of the eye. 

A common schedule is one week, one month and three months after surgery. It is very important to keep these appointments.   Your eye specialist will want to assess the healing after surgery.

Do not apply eye make up.

You already know that you should not use any facial makeup three days before surgery (this includes lipstick and any facial lotions).

This rule also applies after surgery. Most Lasik surgeons will tell you not to use any make up or lotions for 48 hours after the procedure. After that time you can to wear basic make up - but no eye make up.  Normally, eye make up is OK after about one week - or whenever your Lasik surgeon says it's OK.

The reasons are obvious. Make up can enter the eye and cause infection after surgery.  It can also damage the eye. If you apply make up around the eye area, the chances for accidental contact with the eye are greater.

It’s OK to shower, but don’t use any soap or facial washes on the face for two to three days after the surgery.

Do not touch the eye.

Again, pretty obvious. You will be given eye drops but nothing should enter the eye area. You’ll probably get an eye shield to wear while sleeping, to prevent contact with the eye while sleeping.

Touching the eye can cause contaminants to enter the eye area.   These could raise the risk of infection. Touching the eye or accidental contact with the eye can lead to damage of the surgery area and will cause healing problems.

No rough stuff.

Be careful when you resume normal activities.

Golf and light work-outs are all allowed one day after surgery, but wear protective gear with any outdoor activity.

Within 24 hours you will be allowed to read, work on the computer and watch television, but make sure you keep the eye moisturized with eye drops.

After three days, as long as you protect the eye area, you can play with children, resume normal sexual activity, and sunbath.

After seven days more strenuous activities such as jogging, light biking, and lifting weights can be added.

If you are involved with extreme sports such as kayaking, skiing or parachuting, talk to your doctor about when these sports are allowed. Expect to have to wait at least three months after lasik eye surgery.