Dr. Chameen Sams

What should I avoid after eye surgery?

After eye surgery, it’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to ensure a smooth recovery. Here are some general things you should avoid: 

  • Rubbing Your Eyes: Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes, as this can cause irritation or infection. 
  • Strenuous Activities: Refrain from heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, and bending over, which can increase pressure in your eyes. 
  • Swimming: Avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, and other bodies of water to reduce the risk of infection. 
  • Driving: Do not drive until your doctor gives you the all-clear, as your vision may be temporarily impaired. 
  • Makeup and Face Creams: Avoid using eye makeup, face creams, and lotions around your eyes to prevent contamination. 
  • Direct Sunlight: Protect your eyes from direct sunlight by wearing sunglasses, as your eyes may be more sensitive after surgery. 

Always consult with your eye surgeon for specific instructions tailored to your individual situation. 

What happens if you blink during eye surgery? 

If you blink during eye surgery, you don’t need to worry. Surgeons use a device called a speculum to gently hold your eyelids open, ensuring that you cannot blink. Additionally, numbing drops are applied to your eyes to keep them comfortable and prevent the natural urge to blink. These measures help to keep your eye still and ensure the surgery proceeds smoothly and safely. 

What should you not do before eye surgery? 

Before eye surgery, you should avoid the following: 

  • Do Not Wear Contact Lenses: Stop wearing contact lenses as advised by your surgeon, usually several days to weeks before the surgery. 
  • Avoid Makeup: Do not wear makeup, lotions, perfumes, or creams on your face, especially around your eyes, for at least 24 hours before the surgery. 
  • Refrain from Alcohol: Avoid consuming alcohol for at least 24 hours before the surgery as it can dehydrate you and affect anesthesia. 
  • Don’t Eat or Drink: Follow your surgeon’s instructions regarding fasting. You should not eat or drink anything after midnight before the day of surgery. 

Following these guidelines will help ensure a smooth and successful eye surgery procedure. 

How long does it take for your eye to heal after eye surgery?

The healing time after eye surgery varies depending on the type of surgery performed. Generally, initial recovery can take a few days to a week, during which time you may experience some discomfort, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light. Complete healing and stabilization of vision can take several weeks to a few months. It’s important to follow your surgeon’s post-operative care instructions and attend all follow-up appointments to ensure a smooth recovery.  

Why is Early Detection important?

Early detection is crucial for several reasons: 

  1. Better Outcomes: Detecting conditions early often leads to more effective treatments and better outcomes. Many diseases, including eye conditions, are more easily managed or even cured when caught in their initial stages. 
  2. Prevention of Complications: Early detection can prevent complications that arise from untreated or late-treated conditions. For example, catching glaucoma early can prevent severe vision loss. 
  3. Cost-Effective: Early treatment can be less expensive than treating a disease in its advanced stages. This can reduce medical costs for both the patient and the healthcare system. 
  4. Improved Quality of Life: Early intervention can maintain a higher quality of life by preventing the progression of diseases that could lead to disability or severe symptoms. 
  5. Peace of Mind: Knowing that you are monitoring your health and catching potential issues early can provide peace of mind and reduce anxiety about undiagnosed conditions. 

Regular check-ups and screenings are key to early detection, allowing you and your healthcare provider to take prompt and effective action if any issues arise. 

How soon after the surgery will I be able to see?  

After surgery, many people notice an improvement in their vision within 24 to 48 hours. However, it may take a few days to weeks for your vision to fully stabilize and for you to achieve your best possible vision. Your doctor will provide specific guidance based on your individual recovery process. 

What Are the Risks of Surgery?  

The risks of surgery include infection, bleeding, reaction to anesthesia, blood clots, and damage to surrounding tissues. Specific risks depend on the type of surgery being performed. Always discuss potential risks with your surgeon beforehand. 

Is there a risk of complication with LASIK?  

How long does the LASIK procedure take? 

The LASIK procedure itself is very quick, taking about 10 to 15 minutes per eye. The actual laser application usually only takes a few minutes. Including preparation time and post-procedure care, you can expect to be at the clinic for about 1 to 2 hours in total.

How Much Will LASIK Cost?

It’s important to consult with your eye care provider for a precise estimate. However, The cost of LASIK surgery ranges from $2,000 to $3,000 per eye. Prices can vary based on the surgeon’s experience; the technology used.