How Long Should I Keep My Eyes Closed After Lasik
If you’ve recently had Lasik surgery and are wondering how long you should keep your eyes closed afterward, you’re not alone. As a former Lasik surgery patient, I know firsthand how important it is to understand the post-operative instructions and follow them carefully. In this article, I’ll be discussing the recommended amount of time to keep your eyes closed after Lasik, as well as some tips to help you recover quickly and safely. I’ll also be sharing my own experience with Lasik and how I navigated the recovery process. So if you’re curious about the post-operative care for Lasik, keep reading!
FAQ: When Can I Expect My Vision to Return After LASIK?
Overview of Lasik
After Lasik surgery, you may experience a few brief post-operative symptoms that can last anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days. As with any surgery, it is important to follow your doctor’s post-operative instructions to ensure the best possible outcome.
Typically, most people can resume light activities such as walking and showering the day after surgery. However, you should avoid any strenuous activities for the first few days after surgery.
In general, most patients can expect to feel some level of post-operative discomfort for a few weeks, but this usually dissipates over time. If you experience any significant post-operative discomfort, please contact your doctor immediately.
It is also important to keep your eyes closed after Lasik surgery. This is because the laser used during the procedure permanently changes the structure of your eyes. If you open your eyes during the healing process, you may be at risk of developing vision problems.
Keeping your eyes closed after Lasik surgery is the best way to ensure a successful outcome and a long-term vision health.
What is Lasik?
After lasik surgery, most patients are instructed to keep their eyes closed for the first few hours post-operation. This is to help reduce swelling and prevent any accidental exposure to light. Many patients feel comfortable opening their eyes after a few hours, but it is always a good idea to consult with your doctor.
Post-Op Expectations
One of the most common questions I get asked is “How long should I keep my eyes closed after lasik surgery?” The answer is, it depends on your individual case. Generally speaking, most people find that it is best to keep their eyes closed for about an hour after lasik surgery. However, this is completely dependent on your individual post-operative recovery schedule and how you feel. Some people find that they can tolerate a little bit of light exposure after lasik surgery, while others find that they need complete darkness to rest and heal. The key is to listen to your body and adjust your post-operative routine as needed.
How Long to Keep Eyes Closed?
I noticed that a lot of people seem to be asking about how long they should keep their eyes closed after laser eye surgery. In short, there is no set time frame, but typically, patients keep their eyes closed for around 30 minutes to one hour post-op. This is based on the assumption that it is important to allow the healing process to take place undisturbed. Additionally, some patients may experience some mild discomfort or ocular sensitivity after surgery, which is why it is advised to keep the eyes closed as much as possible. If you find that you are uncomfortable or have any other concerns, please do not hesitate to contact your doctor.
Aftercare Tips
After surgery, your eyes may feel dry and irritated. Follow these tips to help your eyes heal:
1. Apply ice packs to the closed eye for 20 minutes each hour.
- Use a petroleum jelly lubricant to reduce the irritation.
- Avoid contact sports and strenuous activities for the first few days.
- Take ibuprofen or other pain relief medications as directed.
- Use artificial tears and/or a saline solution to moisten your eyes.
Risks and Complications
There are many risks and complications associated with Lasik surgery. Most people who undergo Lasik report excellent vision, but there are a few very serious risks and complications. Here are a few of the most common:
1. Post-operative problems: The most common post-operative problems are dry eyes, visual obstruction, or glare. These problems can occur days, weeks, or even months after surgery.
2. Corneal damage: Lasik can sometimes cause corneal damage, which can result in long-term vision problems.
3. Eye movement problems: Approximately 10 percent of people who have Lasik surgery develop eye movement problems. These problems can range from mild to severe and can require various forms of treatment.
4. Cataracts: About 1 in 5 people who have Lasik surgery develop cataracts, a condition in which the lens of the eye changes.
5. Blindness: About 1 in 1000 people who have Lasik surgery develop permanent blindness.
Conclusion
If you are considering Lasik surgery, it is important to know that you should keep your eyes closed for at least 12 hours after the surgery. This will help to reduce the chance of any post-operative complications.
