If your eye doctor or ophthalmologist recommends LASIK eye surgery near Chicago , you may have a lot of questions about the procedure and the recovery period. Your recovery will be much shorter and less stressful if you follow the advice of your eye doctor. Here are some tips on how to help yourself recover more quickly from LASIK surgery.
Give Yourself a Break
Give your eyes time to rest throughout the day. Don’t use them for taxing activities or to focus on small objects for prolonged periods of time. Take a few days off of school or work, and let yourself slowly ease back into the routine of your daily life. If you notice that your eyes feel strained or stressed, or if you develop a headache, lie down and close your eyes for a period of time. You can also try lying down in a dim room.
Protect Your Eyes
Take baths instead of showers to prevent water, shampoo, and soap from dripping into your eyes and irritating them. Do not rub your eyes with your hands or a towel. Do not play sports or participate in any water activities for at least a month after surgery. Your vision and depth perception have not completely adjusted, and you don’t want to risk getting hit in the eyes or sustaining an eye injury. Wear protective eyewear for at least 2 weeks post-surgery, including while you sleep or if you shower. Wear dark sunglasses both indoors and outdoors to protect your eyes from the sun and harsh lights.
Follow Your Doctor’s Advice
Visit your eye doctor regularly post-surgery, particularly 24 hours after the procedure. Follow his advice strictly. If he prescribes you medicated eye drops, use them as directed. They can help your eyes heal faster, and will make them feel less dry and irritated. Your eye doctor may suggest that you avoid wearing makeup or using facial lotions and creams. They can easily get in your eyes and cause irritation and infection.