Physical Wellness

Things to Understand Before and After LASIK Surgery

By Ernest Hamilton | Update Date: Sep 21, 2019 02:42 PM EDT

LASIK surgery helps you to correct delicate parts of your eyes. It can be performed in less than an hour. In this process, the surgeon uses a laser to reshape your cornea to improve the focus of light rays on cornea. Remember, you can't reverse this surgery; therefore, meet your doctor to clear confusions. 

Similar to other surgeries, you can't ignore the chances and risks of complications. LASIK is not suitable for everyone. If you are suffering from specific medical conditions, you will not be an appropriate candidate for this process. Even with LASIK, you need reading glasses after the 40s. Keep it in mind that this surgery can't prevent or correct presbyopia. 

Can you take benefits of LASIK?

LASIK may not help everyone. Remember, your minimum age must be over 18 years for LASIK. A nursing mother or pregnant lady can't be the right candidate. This procedure can change the refraction of your eyes. 

If you are taking oral prednisone, Accutane or other prescription drugs, inform your surgeon about it. With healthy eyes, you can be the best candidate for LASIK. Make sure to choose a board-certified surgeon like Joel Hunter, MD. A good doctor must answer your questions and study your history before making a decision.

If you have rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, glaucoma, lupus, herpes infections, corneal disorders, retinal disease, and cataracts, you may not get this treatment. Make sure to discuss the status of your general health with your surgeon. 

Find the Best Surgeon

Only ophthalmologists can perform this procedure. Make sure to meet an optometrist or ophthalmologist for referrals. Before finalizing a surgeon, fix a meeting with him/her to ask important questions. Feel free to ask about his experience in LASIK surgery. 

You have the right to ask about his/her success rate and possible outcomes of your surgery. Make sure your surgeon is using an FDA approved laser. Before your surgery, you should ensure the name of the person who will be responsible for your after-surgery care.

Things to Do After Surgery

LASIK reshapes your corneas to correct vision. For this purpose, your ophthalmologist makes an incision in the cornea to lift flaps. This flap will be sealed up immediately after correction, but you have to take extraordinary measures for its proper healing. It is necessary to avoid the chances of infection or damage. Here are some things to do after surgery.

Wear Sunglass

Discomfort is common after LASIK; therefore, you will need sunglasses. Remember, shades are necessary to protect your eyes from the sun. Moreover, avoid reading or other stressful activities for a few days. Reading can increase strain on your eyes, so stay away from books. You can't increase stress on your eyes immediately after LASIK.

Risky Activities

Stay away from contact sports, gardening, walking in a garden or among tree branches. Remember, these activities can increase the risk of irritation. Even a dust particle in your eyes can be the reason of nasty complications. Your cornea needs time for healing.

Stay Away from Makeup

After LASIK, you may be curious to wear new eye shadow. Remember, it can be dangerous for your eyes. Practice some patience for almost one week before wearing any eye makeup. However, blush and foundation are fine, but eyeshadows and eyeliners are dangerous. Their particles can irritate your eyes.

After one week, use brand new eye makeup. Keep it in mind that your eyes are susceptible to irritation and infection after this procedure. Make sure to protect them from bacteria.

Hot Tubs and Swimming pools

Hot tubs and pools may have lots of bacteria. For this reason, you must not go into hot tubs and swimming pools during your healing period. It can save you from potential infection or irritation.

Moreover, stay away from smoking and alcohol after LASIK. The smoke can irritate your eyes, so don't light up any cigarette even for a few minutes.

Avoid Driving

Before taking your vehicle on the road, get permission from your surgeon. You have to wait for almost 24 hours after your operating. It is necessary for you and other people on the road. If you have any confusion in your mind, ask your doctor. In this way, you can brush away negative thoughts from your mind.  

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