OUR MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED LASIK QUESTIONS

August 15, 2022

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! 

What Our Patients Think

  • Riley Hart /
  • Staci Hamlett /
  • Ben Crosswhite / OWNER, CROSSWHITE FITNESS
    I couldn't recommend a better doctor, a better facility, and I'm so glad I did it.
  • Brenda Edson in front of a brick home
    Brenda Edson /
    "I could not have asked for a better experience at Piedmont Eye Center. From my very first visit, the staff was friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely interested in me."
  • Bobby Moore /
    "I wish I would have done it many years ago now."
  • Bryan Mitchell outside of a football stadium
    Bryan Mitchell / ANALYST
    "My vision was the best it had been since I was a teen. I had my LASIK surgery performed almost 2 years ago, and it is as good today as it was then."
  • Caroline Trexler /
    "They ensured that the entire process from preliminary appointments to follow up visits went seamlessly – the perfect team that gave me perfect vision."
  • Charles / RETIRED COMMANDER , UNITED STATES NAVY
    "All and all, this has been a very pleasant and beneficial period for me. I recommend it highly for anyone in a similar situation.'
  • Cynthia Stewart standing outside
    Cynthia /
    "I feel almost like a new person It’s a wonderful feeling to wake up in the morning and be able to actually see across the room without fumbling for my glasses. "
  • Frances / RETIRED
    "Dr. Ceballos has always been very positive, clarifying everything medically, never leaving me in doubt and has always made me feel special and important."
  • Guy / RETIRED
    "The procedure was painless, and now I’m happy to say I only wear glasses to read. I have 20/20 vision in my left eye and 20/25 in my right. "
  • Janice Bloom standing in front of a tree
    Janice Bloom / ADMISSIONS DATABASE & COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
    "Dr. Bowers and his staff treated me with the utmost in professional care, making sure I was comfortable throughout the entire process."
  • Barbara / RETIRED
    "The procedure was pain free and I am so pleased with the results. It was money well spent and it is unbelievable how clear and colorful everything is. I want to tell Dr. Bowers and his staff how grateful I am."
  • Jerome / RETIRED
    "Doctor Vogel has treated me professionally as has his staff. They have been caring and have answered my questions to my satisfaction."
  • Jon Dupin standing outside of a brick home
    Jon Dupin / PASTOR
    "LASIK is not just a medical advancement to me; it’s a miracle"
  • Josh Brewer / HUMANITARIAN AID
    "Because of Dr. Bowers and his team at Piedmont Eye Center, my everyday life is now a whole lot easier. "
  • Judy Bowman / MISSIONARY
    "My experience of having Laser Vision Correction was fantastic. Dr. Bowers and all his staff are so knowledgeable and professional, yet very personal, warm, caring, and friendly."
  • Lucy standing in a classroom
    Lucy /
    "Dr. Bowers and his team were very comforting. The next morning, I opened my eyes and was able to see the alarm clock across the room, which I was never able to see before. It was a miracle!"
  • Martha Ann / GRANDMOTHER
    "It is a wonderful feeling to have no RX lenses. I want to thank Dr. Bowers and the Surgery Center for the freedom I feel.”
  • Monica Shelton / Featured Patient
    "Everyone told me what they were going to be doing to me and what to expect every step of the way. My experience with Piedmont Eye Center and Dr. Bowers and the whole LASIK team was awesome!"
  • Adelia / RETIRED
    "God led me to Dr. Vogel. He is absolutely the most wonderful doctor in the world. Not only is he a great doctor, he is a great ‘people person’. You always feel safe with him."
  • Penny Abbot in front of a home
    Penny Abbott / Financial Consultant
    "From the great staff who helped me, to the simplicity of setting up my flexible spending account, to my complete satisfaction and enjoyment of having clear sight, this has been an easy process."
  • Sallie Bloom / SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER
    "The staff at Piedmont eased my nerves and the procedure was swift and smooth."
  • Sue Earsing and lasik eye surgery
    Sue / CHIROPRACTOR
    "I have always seen the world through glasses or contacts, so the sharpness of vision I have now was never there before."
  • Tim / NATIONAL ENDURO CHAMPION
    “Dr. Bowers not only met my expectations, he surpassed them. I had no idea that vision like this was possible. I no longer struggle in the shadows of a course- everything is clearer.”
  • Troy Doss
    Troy Doss / ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL AT JEFFERSON FOREST
    "Piedmont Eye Center takes care of the little things to make LASIK a comfortable process."
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