he only reason why anyone would go through with laser eye surgery is to correct a vision problem, and the last thing you would need is for your eyes to return to its previous state or have more complications after your laser eye surgery in London. You cannot eliminate all the risks of relapse or complications, but the least you can do is to protect and properly care for your eye after the surgery to ensure that the healing process goes as smoothly as it is expected.
Your surgeon will make a recovery plan for you with specific guidelines. You would also need follow-up appointments with your surgeon to check how well your eye is healing.
There are certain things you should do in the days, weeks, and months after your laser eye surgery.
The first 6 hours after your laser eye surgery
You need to keep your eyes closed and avoid bright lights. You may experience discomfort or pain during this period, but your doctor will prescribe some medications that will take care of the pain, prevent infection, and keep your eyes lubricated. There may also be swelling, but it will not be visible to the naked eye, but this will also disappear in no time.
The first 24 hours after your laser eye surgery
Avoid anything that will strain the eye like reading, watching, TV, smartphones, videogames, and computers. Your doctor will likely provide you with a protective eye shield to wear at night. This will help you avoid rubbing and bumping your eyes. You can take your bath a day after the surgery but be careful not to get soap or any other chemical product into your eye. You will be able to drive as soon as your vision is clear enough and your doctor has given you permission to do so.
1 – 2 weeks after your laser eye surgery
You can begin your exercise routine at this point but avoid contact sports for up to a month. Protect your eyes from UV light whenever you are out in the sun by wearing sunglasses. Use prescribed eye drops to minimise dry eye. Do not use makeup and other beauty products around your eyes for at least a week or two after the surgery because these products can cause infection in your eyes. A dirty and dusty environment can irritate the eyes so avoid them for at least a week. You also need to stay clear of bodies of water like lakes, hot tubs, rivers, and swimming pools because they may be contaminated and could cause an infection.
1 month after your laser eye surgery
You can engage in strenuous activities, including sports but consider wearing sports goggles until your eyes heal completely.
3 – 6 months after your eye surgery
Your eyes must have healed completely at this point, and your vision should have also improved. Some severe refractive errors could take a longer time to heal because their surgeries are usually more invasive than those for milder conditions.
Everyone responds in different ways to laser eye surgery, and the recovery time varies amongst persons. It depends on how your brain quickly adapts to your new way of seeing so to get the best out of your surgery, make sure you attend all our follow-up appointments and religiously stick to the recovery plan outlined by your surgeon.
Our surgeons at Optimal Vision will always be available to guide you through your healing process and help you to protect your eyes after your laser eye surgery in Harley Street.
Call us today on 022 71833725 or send an email via info@optimalvision.co.uk to get started on your laser eye surgery.
Peter Beaumont is a senior reporter on the Guardian’s Global Development desk. He has reported extensively from conflict zones including Africa, the Balkans and the Middle East and is the author of The Secret Life of War: Journeys Through Modern Conflict. Email: peter@thehearus.com
