LASIK, or Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, is a procedure designed to correct refractive errors by reshaping the cornea with a laser. While the surgery is quick, success depends significantly on diligent post-operative care and hygiene. Maintaining strict cleanliness around the eyes is paramount for preventing microbial keratitis, an infection that can compromise the delicate healing process and compromise the integrity of the vision correction.
Step-by-Step Procedure for Eyelid Hygiene
Before beginning any cleaning routine, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds to prevent the transfer of bacteria. The physical cleaning process focuses solely on the eyelids and lashes, as the eye itself should only receive the prescribed drops. A warm compress can help loosen any discharge or crusting that may have accumulated on the lashes overnight.
To clean the area, use a sterile, non-preserved saline solution or a pre-moistened, doctor-approved eyelid wipe. Gently close your eye and, using a fresh wipe or cotton pad, stroke the eyelid and lashes in a single direction, moving away from the eye. This technique ensures that debris is removed rather than being pushed toward the corneal surface.
Use a separate sterile wipe or cotton pad for each eye to eliminate the risk of cross-contamination between the two eyes. Do not press, rub, or apply any significant pressure directly onto the eyeball, as this action could disrupt the healing corneal flap. Once the cleaning is complete, discard the used materials and wash your hands again before applying any prescribed eye drops.
Timeline for Post-Operative Care
The most intensive period of hygiene and protection immediately follows the procedure, typically lasting for the first 24 to 48 hours. During this time, it is best to rest and keep the eyes closed as much as possible. The first week represents the most rigorous adherence to hygiene protocols. During this time, patients are advised to wear protective shields, particularly while sleeping, to guard against inadvertent rubbing.
The next phase extends through the first two to four weeks, where many daily activities can resume, but specific prohibitions remain in place to protect the healing eye. While physical cleaning of the eyelids may be reduced after the first week, the strict avoidance of contaminants must continue. Your surgeon may adjust this timeline based on individual healing speed, which is assessed during follow-up appointments. Full stabilization of the corneal tissue can take up to a month or longer.
Critical Contaminants and Activities to Avoid
The most significant prohibition following LASIK is rubbing the eyes, which carries the risk of dislodging the corneal flap created during the procedure. Any direct pressure or impact to the eye must be strictly avoided during the initial healing period.
Another major contaminant to avoid is non-sterile water, including tap water, which can harbor microorganisms like Acanthamoeba that pose a severe infection risk to the newly operated cornea. You must take care when showering to keep the water stream away from your face for at least the first week. Avoid the following environments for a period of two to three weeks, as they are breeding grounds for bacteria:
- Swimming pools.
- Hot tubs.
- Saunas.
- Steam rooms.
Furthermore, any cosmetic product applied near the eye can introduce harmful irritants and bacteria. Eye makeup, such as mascara and eyeliner, must be avoided for at least one to two weeks, and sometimes up to a month, depending on the surgeon’s guidance. When resuming the use of makeup, purchase new products to avoid using items that may already be contaminated. Activities that expose the eyes to high levels of dust, dirt, or smoke, such as gardening or being in construction zones, should be postponed for about seven days to minimize the chance of foreign particles landing in the eye.