Post-Op Care for Eye Surgery
Improvements in laser eye surgery have led millions of people to use eye surgery to correct their vision or other problems. If you choose to have eye surgery, you need to know what to do after the operation is complete to ensure that your eyes stay healthy and that your vision will stay clear and strong.
Immediately After Surgey
In the immediate aftermath of laser eye surgery, your ophthalmologist will usually fit you with a protective eye shield for the first day or so. It's also imperative that you allow some time for your eye to rest, which would include time off from work or canceling any activities that would require any kind of strain on the eyes. Your ophthalmologist will also likely schedule an appointment within the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery to make sure your eyes are healing properly.
The First Few Days
It's natural to feel discomfort in the eyes in the first few days following laser eye surgery. This discomfort could include a feeling like there's something in the eye, tearing, or blurry vision. It's crucial not to rub the eyes, according to Medicinenet.com, as that could undo the surgery and necessitate further correction. Your ophthalmologist will also likely prescribe antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops following eye surgery. You can use Ibuprofen and acetaminophen to relieve any postoperative pain.
Dos and Don'ts
You should wait a few days before taking part in any low-impact sports, such as walking or jogging, according to Medicinenet.com, and you'll likely need a little bit longer, from two weeks to a month, before you can resume more competitive sports. You should be wary about swimming in pools or lakes or using hot tubs, as those are all high-risk areas for infections, and you also need to be careful about applying lotions, creams, makeup and perfume around your eye area. Your ophthalmologist can advise on all of these problems and answer any questions you may have about your procedure, which is why you must vigilantly keep all postoperative appointments.
Possible Complications
Some complications occasionally crop up in the aftermath of laser eye surgery. Dry eye, glare, decreased vision at night, or astigmatisms are all possibilities. Your ophthalmologist must be informed about these problems. Possible solutions include eye drops, both over-the-counter and prescription, punctal plugs, or toric contact lenses. Many of these complications work themselves out over time without need for further correction.
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