Even after performing thousands of procedures over a span of 20+ years, it’s interesting that the frequently asked questions have, for the most part, stayed the same. We asked our LASIK team what their most common questions from patients are and below, you will find the answers:
Can I watch TV after LASIK? Almost every patient having LASIK asks this question. When we tell our patients to go home and rest after surgery, they immediately want to know if they can finally binge watch their favorite show. The answer is, no. Sadly, watching TV is not recommended, as are most other things.
What about looking at my phone? Again, not recommended for 24 hours post LASIK surgery. We aren’t trying to be cruel. Looking at screens reduces your blink rate, which can lead to dry eye. Keeping your eyes moisturized is key to recovering well from LASIK. Before surgery, go ahead and download a good audio book or a podcast and have that ready.
Can I wear make-up after LASIK? Sorry! No eye make-up for three weeks after LASIK. For makeup lovers, this can seem like a really long time, but trust us, it’s worth it. In general, you want to minimize the things going into or around your eyes as much as possible after LASIK. This will allow your cornea to heal with less risk of infection or complication.
Can I swim after LASIK? Swimming after LASIK can be problematic. We recommend staying out of pools and hot tubs for one month after LASIK to eliminate the risk of exposure to chemicals and bacteria that can lead to infections.
How long do I need to take off from work? This can vary. But on average, most patients are able to go back to work 24-48 hours after surgery. All patients have a one day post-operative appointment which will give them more insight on their recovery speed.
Can I drive myself home after surgery? Do not drive. It is actually Piedmont Eye Center’s policy that LASIK patients have someone drive you home after surgery. After that, we recommend patients wait until Dr. Bowers gives the “A-Okay” before getting behind the wheel, which is usually at the one day post-operative appointment, though recovery can vary from patient to patient.
Dr. Bowers and the LASIK team are dedicated to providing a seamless recovery for our patients. We are here for you before, during and after your procedure. If you have questions or are ready to schedule a free, no-obligation evaluation, call today!