Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) is a common refractive surgery that reshapes the cornea to correct vision problems. While the procedure is quick, the final visual outcome depends significantly on diligent post-operative care. The healing process requires careful attention to safeguard the corneal tissue and ensure a successful recovery. Following a precise aftercare regimen is essential to achieve and maintain clear vision.
The Critical First 48 Hours
The first two days following LASIK are the most fragile period for the healing cornea. Immediately after surgery, patients should go home and rest, ideally keeping their eyes closed for several hours to promote initial healing and minimize discomfort. It is normal to experience temporary symptoms such as a burning sensation, tearing, and heightened sensitivity to light.
A crucial step is wearing the protective eye shields provided by the surgeon, especially while sleeping or napping, for at least the first night, and often up to a week. These shields prevent accidental rubbing or pressure, which could potentially dislodge the corneal flap created during the procedure. Patients must resist the urge to rub their eyes, as this poses a significant risk to the integrity of the newly reshaped cornea. The first follow-up appointment, typically scheduled within 24 to 48 hours, is mandatory to allow the surgeon to check the flap position and assess the initial healing response.
Navigating the Post-Op Medication Regimen
Pharmacological support is essential for managing inflammation and preventing infection during post-LASIK recovery. The regimen typically involves three distinct types of eye drops, each serving a specific purpose. Antibiotic drops prevent bacterial infection, a serious risk during the initial healing phase, and are generally used for about one week.
Steroid or anti-inflammatory drops reduce swelling and control the body’s natural inflammatory response, creating an optimal environment for the cornea to heal. These medicated drops are usually tapered down over one to two weeks, following a strict schedule provided by the surgeon. Preservative-free artificial tears are the third type of drop, essential for lubricating the eyes and alleviating dryness.
Artificial tears should be used frequently, sometimes as often as every hour while awake in the first week, even if the eyes do not feel dry, to maintain surface hydration. When administering multiple types of drops, wait at least five minutes between different drops to ensure each medication is properly absorbed. Proper technique involves pulling down the lower lid and ensuring the dropper tip does not touch the eye or eyelashes to avoid contamination.
Activity Restrictions During Recovery
Resuming normal activities must be done gradually, with clear restrictions to protect the healing eyes from trauma or infection. Water exposure, particularly from sources that may harbor bacteria, must be avoided for a specific period. Patients should refrain from swimming in pools, hot tubs, or oceans for a minimum of two weeks, with some surgeons recommending a full month.
For showering, keep the eyes closed and avoid getting direct water, soap, or shampoo into the eyes for at least the first week. Makeup application, especially eye makeup like mascara and eyeliner, should be postponed for at least one week to prevent particles from irritating the healing corneal surface. Patients should also consider replacing old eye makeup to eliminate the risk of introducing bacteria.
Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting, which can temporarily increase eye pressure or lead to excessive sweating, should be avoided for the first few days. Light exercise can typically resume within a week, but contact sports or activities with a high risk of eye injury require a waiting period of at least one month. Screen time, including computers and phones, should be limited for the first 24 to 48 hours. When screen time is resumed, frequent breaks and the liberal use of lubricating drops are required to counteract dry eye symptoms associated with staring.
Long-Term Care and Protection
Even after the initial recovery phase concludes, long-term habits are necessary to preserve the surgical results and maintain ocular health. Protecting the eyes from ultraviolet (UV) radiation is an indefinite requirement following LASIK. High-quality sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays must be worn whenever outdoors, as UV exposure can be detrimental to the corneal tissue.
While medicated drops are temporary, the need for lubricating drops may continue for several months as the eyes fully recover natural tear production. Patients who experience residual or chronic dryness may benefit from continued use of preservative-free artificial tears or other prescribed dry eye therapies, such as punctal plugs to conserve natural tears.
Regular comprehensive eye examinations must continue annually, even with clear vision, to monitor for overall eye health issues unrelated to the refractive correction. Patients need to be aware of the signs that require immediate medical attention, such as sudden and significant vision loss, severe and persistent pain that does not respond to over-the-counter medication, or signs of infection like unusual discharge or swelling.