LASIK Post-Op Instructions

One of the most important parts of LASIK eye surgery is what you do after the surgery takes place. Following both pre-op and post-op instructions as directed by your surgeon will contribute to optimal results. During an initial consultation for LASIK eye surgery, we make sure you understand all that is involved in the LASIK post-op schedule, breaking it down by hours, days and weeks following your procedure.

LASIK eye surgery may be a straightforward procedure, but it is not simple, and following your doctor’s LASIK post-op instructions is critical for optimal results. Below is an example of what you can expect regarding eye drops and medications during your LASIK post-op schedule, as well as what to avoid in the weeks following your LASIK eye surgery.

The LASIK Eye Surgery Post-Op Appointment

Although your vision may be excellent within 24 hours of surgery, your LASIK recovery is still underway. Your corneas are still actively healing, and they need to be cared for according to the LASIK post-op instructions provided by your surgeon. Attending all LASIK post-op appointments is also important. At Providence Eye & Laser Specialists, your LASIK post-op appointments are all included in the original surgery price.

The following is a typical LASIK post-op schedule of appointments:

• 1 day
• 1 month
• 6 months
• 1 year

However, if between appointments you have any concerns about your vision or how your eyes feel, call our office immediately. At Providence Eye, we have a doctor on call 24/7 and Dr. Mozayeni and Dr. Nunnery will see you as often as necessary.

4 Reasons to Keep Your LASIK Post-Op Appointments

1. Watching for Infection – It’s vital to keep up with your eyedrops post-operatively, practicing good hygiene and staying out of germy places, like public gyms, for the first couple of days to help avoid infection. Infection is the most common concern after laser eye surgery, and at Providence Eye, we want to catch any infection as early as possible.
2. Changes in Your Cornea – Although LASIK may have seemed like a breeze to you, your corneas have gone through a major change. At Providence Eye, we do corneal mapping at your LASIK post-op appointments to make sure they look as they should.
3. It’s All Included – At Providence Eye, we have a simple and flat pricing structure for our laser eye surgeries, which includes your LASIK post-op exams for twelve months. This is to ensure you have the best medical care and patient experience.
4. After you have reached your first LASIK anniversary, Providence Eye instructs you to maintain regular annual eye exams. Annual eye exams are more than just checking your vision, they also check the health of your eyes to make sure there are no underlying issues, even if you aren’t experiencing any symptoms. Additionally, annual eye exams will keep your enhancement policy valid for your laser eye surgery.

LASIK Post-Op Instructions: Eye Drops & Prescriptions

Your LASIK surgeon will provide you with a very specific LASIK post-op schedule for your eye drops. It is important that you follow your LASIK surgeon’s directions regarding brand name vs. generic, number of drops, number of times/day and how many days or weeks.

For optimal results, patients should use the following drops, according to your surgeon's instructions:

• An anti-inflammatory
• An antibiotic
• Lubricating drops (always preservative-free)

LASIK Eye Surgery Post-Op: Things to Avoid

There are several things you should avoid during the LASIK post-op period.

For 14 days after surgery, all patients should:

• Not rub eyes
• Not go swimming (pool, lake, ocean, pond) or go into hot tubs
• Avoid areas that are prone to dust, smoke, mold (basements), dirt (yard work)
• If using a computer, take frequent breaks and lubricate your eyes more frequently using lubricating drops.

Also, during your LASIK post-op schedule, patients should avoid the following for 7 days:

• Soap & water in your eyes, but you may bathe normally
• Eye make-up
• Ceiling fans while sleeping
• If you participate in contact sports, care for small children or handle animals/pets, please use extreme caution so you are not poked in the eye. Protective eyewear is recommended for sports.

You should postpone any plans for artificial tanner or cosmetic facial laser treatment for one year after laser vision correction surgery.

Your LASIK recovery should go well if you follow instructions and attend your post-op appointments. If you have any concerns do not hesitate to contact your surgeon, that is why they are there!