The Néovision Clinic explains the necessary precautions to guarantee a life without glasses or contact lenses thanks to refractive surgery laser. Whether preparing for the procedure or during the postoperative period, specific steps must be followed to ensure an effective and lasting correction of visual impairments. The procedure is generally painless, but careful care is required to maximize results.
Preparing for surgery: actions to take before the procedure
Consult your ophthalmologist
Before scheduling an operation at LASIK, it is essential to consult your ophthalmologist. This specialist will perform thorough examinations to determine if you are a suitable candidate for this eye surgery. Criteria include vision stability, corneal thickness, and absence of certain eye diseases.
- Have a complete eye examination
- Disclose any pre-existing medical conditions
- Follow the specific recommendations given during the consultation
Stop wearing contact lenses
The contact lenses can temporarily alter the shape of your cornea, thus affecting the accuracy of preoperative measurements. It is advised to stop wearing them several days to weeks before surgery. The exact duration varies depending on whether they are soft, rigid, or other specialized lenses.
Adopt a healthy lifestyle
Your general health can influence the postoperative healing process. A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin A , beneficial for eye health, can contribute to a better recovery. Additionally, avoiding excessive alcohol consumption and quitting smoking are key factors in promoting rapid ocular tissue healing. Consider incorporating regular moderate exercise to maintain good blood circulation.
Precautions to take immediately after surgery
Rest during the first days
After the procedure, rest is crucial for your eyes. Limit activities that may strain them, such as extended reading or using electronic devices. Adequate sleep also promotes optimal healing.
Use prescribed medications
The ophthalmologist may prescribe eye drops to control inflammation, prevent infection, and keep your eyes hydrated. Following the instructions carefully helps avoid potential complications.
Wear eye protection
During the first weeks, wearing sunglasses even indoors might be necessary to protect your eyes from bright lights and UV rays. Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes to minimize infection risks or corneal displacement. If possible, use an eye shield at night to prevent accidental rubbing during sleep.
Activities to avoid after surgery
Avoid swimming and water sports
To protect your new vision, refrain from swimming or any water sports for at least two weeks post-operation. This reduces the risk of exposure to bacteria and water that could contaminate your sensitive healing eyes.
Postpone certain types of physical exercise
The contact sports or intense physical activities should be avoided for at least one month. This includes exercises like boxing, soccer, and martial arts where direct impact to the eyes may occur. Prefer light activities such as walking or yoga during the initial recovery period.
Avoid using cosmetics around the eyes
During the first week, do not apply eye makeup and avoid creams or lotions near the eye area. These products may contain irritating or contaminating ingredients that could cause infections.
Medical follow-up: ensure regular check-ups
Post-operative appointments
Make sure to keep follow-up appointments with your ophthalmologist. These visits allow for monitoring the healing progress and early detection of any potential complications. Each follow-up step is crucial to ensure clear and stable vision.
Watch for signs of complications
During recovery, be alert to any abnormal signs such as severe redness, persistent pain or sudden vision loss. Consult your doctor immediately in these cases.
Have a final evaluation
A final check-up appointment, usually scheduled a few months after the surgery, confirms the procedure’s success and assesses whether any additional adjustments are needed. Once this step is completed, enjoy the full benefits of life without glasses or contact lenses.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle after recovery
Continue protecting your eyes
Even after full recovery, continue to wear sunglasses of high quality to protect your eyes from ultraviolet rays and other environmental aggressors. Also, try to limit screen time to avoid eye strain.
Balanced diet and hydration
A diet rich in antioxidants, such as those found in fruits and vegetables, helps maintain good eye health. Staying well hydrated is also essential for keeping the eyes lubricated and healthy.
Regular check-ups with the ophthalmologist
Although you no longer need optical correction, regular check-ups with theophthalmologist are still recommended to monitor overall eye health and detect any abnormalities at an early stage. These exams also ensure that the benefits of the surgery are maintained in the long term.
