Understanding LASIK Eye Surgery
LASIK eye surgery has been a revolution in the eye care world, serving as a wonderful option for people willing to get rid of spectacles and lenses forever. LASIK stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis.
It is a procedure used to reshape the corneal lining of the eyes, changes in which lead to vision problems. The inability of the eye to focus light on the retina causes different vision troubles such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, which hamper normal vision.
Corrective glasses and lenses are used to address such eye problems. However, LASIK offers a long-term and permanent solution as it involves reshaping the cornea itself, aiding in the correction of light falling on the retina.
Individuals meeting the following criteria are eligible for LASIK surgery:
- People who are 18 and above
- People who have had stable vision for at least a year before the operation
- People who have adequate corneal thickness
- People who do not have eye disorders such as glaucoma, dry eye, or keratoconus
- Women who are not pregnant or lactating
What makes LASIK a wonderful procedure is its reputation for precision. At Grewal Eye Institute, an expert team of ophthalmologists is always available to provide the best eye care and surgery. Patients are thoroughly evaluated before opting for LASIK eye surgery to ensure the best surgical outcome and aftercare.
Immediate Post-Operative Care
The aftercare within 24 to 48 hours of surgery is extremely crucial to ensure adequate healing and vision correction. Just after the surgery, you will experience sensitivity in your eyes. Below are the immediate post-operative care tips that you should follow:
- Keep your eyes closed for the first few hours after the surgery, as it helps accelerate the healing process of the cornea. Eye movements may put unnecessary strain on the healing tissues, leading to discomfort. That is why you should avoid reading or using gadgets.
- After LASIK surgery, it is advisable to avoid any strenuous activity that can put pressure on and disturb the healing of the corneal tissue. Moreover, sudden jerky movements such as bending down or lifting heavy objects can lead to displacement of the flap created during surgery.
- After LASIK surgery, your eyes become sensitive to light. It is mandatory to protect them from UV rays and bright light, as exposure can damage the corneal lining and may even lead to regression. Additionally, protective eyewear prevents dust particles from entering the eyes.
- Use prescribed eye drops at regular intervals as directed by the ophthalmologist to prevent bacterial infections, avoid dry eyes, and reduce swelling or redness due to surgery.
- The LASIK surgery involves creating a thin corneal flap that takes time to reattach. During this time, it is crucial to avoid rubbing or touching the eyes, as it carries the risk of dislodging or wrinkling the flap. If the flap wrinkles, complications such as blurry vision may arise.
Days Following LASIK Surgery
As vision gradually improves, a different set of precautions should be followed to ensure optimal vision correction:
- Continue following the prescribed eye drop routine, which serves multiple purposes, including preventing bacterial infections, reducing inflammation, and providing lubrication to avoid dry eyes.
- Wherever you go outside, ensure you protect your eyes from UV rays, dust particles, and strong winds, as these can interfere with the reattachment of the flap. Protective eyewear are also recommended when going out at night.
- As the flap is still in the healing phase, avoid rubbing or touching your eyes. It is also advised to refrain from wearing eye makeup or using skincare products near the sensitive areas of the eyes.
- After LASIK, your eyes are vulnerable to bacterial infections. That is why it is advised to avoid areas such as swimming pools, hot tubs, or steam rooms, where the risk of bacterial infection is high.
- While you can resume using gadgets, it is recommended to take short breaks from screens using the 20-20-20 rule: after every 20 minutes of gadget use, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds to reduce strain on the eyes.
Long-Term LASIK Aftercare
Long-term LASIK aftercare includes various precautionary measures to help stabilize vision and maintain overall eye health:
- Lubricating your eyes with eye drops prevents post-LASIK dryness while the corneal tissue heals. It also helps in reducing swelling, inflammation, and redness post surgery. Antibacterial eye drops help in ensuring there is no bacterial growth in the eyes.
- To avoid corneal haze and regression, protecting your eyes from UV damage is necessary. Investing in UV-protection eyewear is a viable option which would cater to healing of the corneal tissue.
- A diet rich in vitamins, minerals, omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, and zeaxanthin, commonly found in foods such as carrots, spinach, green leafy vegetables, walnuts, and flaxseeds, is essential for supporting corneal health and fasten healing.
- Along with an adequate and nutritious diet, staying hydrated is extremely important to prevent dry eyes. As LASIK temporarily decreases tear production, it can lead to dry eyes. Adequate hydration helps stabilize the tear film, providing essential lubrication to the eyes. It is recommended to consume at least 8 to 20 glasses of water to avoid the issues of dehydration.
- Even if your vision feels perfect, it is crucial to attend regular check-ups to detect any issues early. Such visits help your surgeon to evaluate your progress, check for any potential complications, and make necessary adjustments to your post-operative care plan.
Conclusion
LASIK surgery is a revolutionary step toward a long-term and permanent solution for people with vision problems. Along with the surgery, it is crucial to follow various precautions after LASIK surgery, as the journey to optimal results doesn’t end in the operating room. Proper care, as highlighted in this guide, includes rest, protective eyewear, and adherence to prescribed eye drops.
At Grewal Eye Clinic, a team of highly skilled ophthalmologists dedicated to delivering high-quality, personalized eye care is available, making it the leading eye hospital in Mohali. Our experienced surgeons, state-of-the-art technology, and patient-centric approach make us the premier choice for the best LASIK eye surgery in Hyderabad.