Hello,
Congratulations on completing your LASIK eye surgery in Dubai. As you begin the healing process, you need to follow the proper post-op care to ensure the best possible outcome.
In Dubai, where factors like bright sun and dry air can impact recovery, it’s essential to protect your eyes and allow them the rest they need. This guide provides a simple, easy-to-follow checklist to support you through every stage of your healing journey.
Immediately After the Surgery
The first 24 hours following LASIK eye surgery are crucial for your recovery. Your eyes are still healing, and taking the right steps during this time can help ensure the best results.
While some discomfort is normal, these simple care tips can support your recovery and ease any concerns you may have.
1. Rest Your Eyes
Giving your eyes a break is key during the first 24 hours after the procedure.
Avoid looking at screens, reading, or doing anything that strains your eyes. This will help reduce discomfort and allow your eyes to rest. Keep your environment dim, and try to relax as much as possible.
It’s normal to have a blurry vision right after the surgery, but it should start to clear up by the next day.
2. Use Prescribed Eye Drops
Your doctor will have prescribed antibiotics and anti-inflammatory eye drops to support your recovery. These drops help lessen inflammation and prevent infection, which are important for the healing process.
Use them exactly as instructed by your surgeon and stay consistent when administering these medications. Artificial tears can also help keep your eyes comfortable and hydrated.
3. Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes
Even though they might feel itchy or irritated, you must avoid rubbing your eyes. Doing so can dislodge the corneal flap created during surgery, which could lead to complications.
If you feel the urge to rub your eyes, gently close them instead or use your artificial tears to relieve the sensation.
4. Wear Protective Shields
Your eye clinic will provide protective shields or goggles, and it’s vital to wear them, especially while sleeping. These shields will keep you from accidentally rubbing your eyes at night and protect them from dust or other particles.
First Week After Surgery
As you resume your regular daily activities, you need to continue taking extra care of your eyes during the first week following your LASIK eye surgery. Your vision will continue to improve, but you must still follow precautions for a smooth recovery.
Below are a few things to keep in mind during this phase:
5. Skip Water Activities
During the first week, it’s essential to keep water out of your eyes to avoid infection or irritation. While you can shower the day after surgery, avoid getting soap, shampoo, or other products in your eyes.
Skip swimming, hot tubs, and other water activities for at least 14 days, as chlorine and particles in water can irritate your eyes and slow the healing process.
6. Wear Sunglasses
Your eyes may be more sensitive to light post-LASIK, so must wear sunglasses, especially with Dubai’s intense sunlight. Sunglasses offer comfort and protection for your healing eyes from harmful UV rays.
7. Avoid Dust and Wind
Try to avoid particularly windy or dusty environments during this period, as dust, dirt, and wind can cause irritation and increase the risk of infection. If you happen to get particles in your eyes, use preservative-free lubricating drops to flush it out and contact your doctor if the irritation persists.
Managing Dryness and Irritation
It’s normal to experience some dryness and irritation after LASIK surgery. These symptoms are temporary and can be managed with proper care. Here’s what you can do to ease them:
8. Use Lubricating Eye Drops
Dry eyes are one of the most common side effects of LASIK. Your ophthalmologist will likely recommend lubricating eye drops to keep your eyes moist and comfortable. These drops help prevent irritation and dryness, which can sometimes last for weeks or even months after the procedure.
Initially, you may need to apply them every couple of hours, but over time, their use will become less frequent as your eyes heal. Always keep a bottle on hand, even after the initial healing period, to ensure your eyes remain comfortable.
Follow your doctor’s advice regarding how often to use them.
9. Blink Regularly
Blinking helps spread natural tears across the eyes, preventing dryness. Try to be mindful of your blinking habits, particularly if you’re working on a computer or watching TV.
If you notice your eyes feeling dry or blurry, it’s a sign that you might not be blinking enough. Setting reminders to take short breaks and looking away from screens every 20 minutes can also help reduce dryness.
Returning to Daily Activities
Remember to approach daily activities cautiously while your eyes continue to heal. Even though you may feel ready to dive back into your normal routine, giving your eyes time to recover fully is still important.
10. Gradual Return to Activities
To prevent accidental eye trauma, avoid heavy lifting or contact sports for at least a week. If you exercise, start with lighter activities and avoid environments like public gyms or swimming pools, which can increase the risk of infection.
Don’t forget to keep your eyes protected from dust, dirt, and smoke to help them heal without irritation.
11. Follow-Up Appointments
Never skip your follow-up appointments with your ophthalmologist in Dubai. These visits will allow your doctor to monitor healing and adjust your treatment plan if needed.
Long-Term Care
Even after the initial healing period is over, caring for your eyes remains important. The steps you take now will help maintain your eye health and prevent complications in the future.
12. Continue Using Eye Drops
Dryness may persist for several months after LASIK, so you need to keep using lubricating eye drops as needed.
There’s no set timeline for when you should stop; as long as your eyes feel dry, it’s a good idea to use preservative-free eye drops to stay comfortable.
If you notice persistent dryness or discomfort, consult your ophthalmologist to explore additional treatment options.
Your Path to Clear Vision
Following these care steps is essential to ensure a smooth recovery from LASIK surgery. With proper post-op care, your vision will improve, and discomfort will lessen over time.
If you have any concerns or questions, talk to your ophthalmologist in Dubai. They are there to guide you every step of the way for a successful outcome.
