Life After LASIK: What to Expect
Welcome to your new vision! Following your LASIK surgery at Eye Associates of New Mexico, prepare for a world of clearer, sharper vision. Here are some essential insights into LASIK recovery, recovery times, and how to optimize life after LASIK surgery for the best possible results.
Immediate Post-Operative Care
First 24 Hours:- Rest Your Eyes After Surgery: It’s important to rest your eyes and avoid straining them immediately after surgery. Use the protective eyeglasses or eye shields provided by your LASIK team to prevent accidental rubbing.
- Follow Your LASIK Surgeon’s Instructions: Use prescribed eye drops to prevent any infection and reduce inflammation. Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes.
- Avoid Water Exposure: Keep your eyes dry. Avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, and direct water exposure from showers.
- Minimize Strenuous Activities: Although you can resume sedentary work or school activities within a few days after your LASIK procedure, we recommend avoiding strenuous activities, such as exercising, for at least a week.
Adjusting to Your New Vision
First Month After Surgery:- Expect Fluctuations: It’s normal to experience fluctuating vision as your eyes heal. You might notice halos, glare, or slight blurriness, especially at night.
- Attend Follow-Up Appointments: Attending regular check-ups is crucial to monitor your healing process and address any concerns promptly.
After LASIK eye surgery at Eye Associates of New Mexico, protecting your vision and supporting recovery is key. Here’s how to ensure the best post-LASIK care:
- UV Protection: Following LASIK surgery, it is crucial to wear sunglasses with UV protection outdoors. UV rays can harm your eyes and affect long-term eye health.
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Healthy Habits:
Maintain these habits for optimal eye health post-LASIK:
- Balanced Diet: Consuming a balanced diet rich in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, can promote eye health and support healing after surgery.
- Hydration: Staying hydrated is important for general health and can also help maintain the moisture balance in your eyes, reducing the risk of dryness and discomfort.
- Regular Eye Exams: Even after LASIK, regular eye exams are essential to monitor eye health and address potential issues early on.
- Avoiding Eye Strain: While LASIK can correct refractive errors, it’s still important to take steps to avoid eye strain, especially when working on computers or other screens for extended periods of time. To reduce strain on your eyes, follow the 20-20-20 rule (take a 20-second break every 20 minutes and look at something 20 feet away).
- Limiting Contact Sports: If you participate in contact sports or activities that pose a risk of eye injury, consider using protective eyewear to prevent potential damage to your eyes, especially in the early stages of LASIK recovery.
- Post-Operative Care: For a successful LASIK recovery, follow your surgeon’s instructions carefully, including using prescribed eye drops and attending LASIK follow-up appointments.
Activities and Lifestyle
- Return to Normal Activities: Most patients can return to work and normal activities within a few days after LASIK, but always follow your surgeon’s advice.
- Exercise Caution: You can resume non-contact sports after the first-week post-surgery, but contact sports should be avoided for at least a month.
Potential LASIK Recovery Side Effects
- Dry Eyes: If you have eye pain, your doctor may prescribe drops or medicine. Your eye will get better each day, but it may feel dry for 1 to 3 months after surgery. Over-the-counter or prescription eye drops from your doctor can support dryness.
- Night Vision Issues: Some patients may notice eye glare or halos around lights at night. These side effects typically diminish and reduce over time.
It’s important to note that while these side effects can occur, many people experience successful LASIK recovery outcomes with minimal or temporary side effects.
Success Stories and Testimonials
“Great service from start to finish.All staff working together for a great experience. This office is well worth checking out. If you need your eyes checked, don’t overlook this office and its location. You will be very glad you did.” -Alicia N.
Absolutely thrilled with my LASIK experience at Eye Associates of New Mexico! The staff was incredibly professional and supportive throughout the entire process. I can see better than ever before, and the results exceeded my expectations. Highly recommend their services to anyone considering LASIK! -John D.
“Dr. Lesher is the best!” -Larry G.
“From the initial consultation to the post-operative care, everything was top-notch. My vision is crystal clear, and I no longer rely on glasses or contacts. Thank you for giving me the gift of clear sight!” -Maria S.