What to do after laser eye surgery

Laser eye surgery is a quick procedure, but what you do afterward plays a big role in how well your eyes heal. Most people are surprised at how simple the recovery is. Still, it's good to know what to expect and what steps you should take to get the best results.

At Elite LASIK & Cataract in Indianapolis, we guide you through every part of the process, including what happens after surgery. Here’s everything you need to know about what to do after laser eye surgery.

Rest on the day of surgery

You will need someone to drive you home. After the procedure, your eyes will feel tired. They may sting or feel gritty for a few hours. This is normal.

The best thing you can do is go home and rest. Keep your eyes closed for the first few hours as much as possible. Avoid looking at screens or reading. Your eyes need a break.

Use your eye drops as directed

Your surgeon will give you a schedule for using prescription eye drops. These drops help prevent infection and reduce inflammation.

You may also be given lubricating drops to help with dryness. Make sure to use these as instructed, even if your eyes feel fine. It helps your healing stay on track.

Do not rub your eyes

Even if they feel itchy or dry, do not rub your eyes. This can affect healing or shift the corneal flap if you had LASIK.

If you had PRK, rubbing your eyes could slow the healing of the surface layer. Either way, avoid touching your eyes.

Wear your protective shields at night

You’ll be given clear plastic eye shields to wear while you sleep for the first few nights. These help protect your eyes from accidental rubbing while you're asleep.

Keep wearing them as directed by your surgeon, usually for three to five nights.

Avoid water, sweat, and makeup

For the first week:

• Do not get water in your eyes while showering
• Do not swim or use hot tubs
• Avoid makeup around your eyes
• Try not to sweat into your eyes during workouts.

All of this helps protect your eyes from bacteria and irritation during the early healing period.

Ease back into your routine

Most people go back to work and daily life within a day or two. You can use a computer, watch TV, or read, but take breaks often and use lubricating drops to keep your eyes moist.

Avoid strenuous activities or contact sports for at least one week, or until your surgeon says it’s safe.

Expect changes in your vision

Your vision may be blurry at first. It usually clears up within a day or two, but for some people, it takes a little longer. You might see halos or glare at night for a few weeks.

This is all part of the healing process. Your vision should keep improving over time.

Keep your follow-up appointments

These check-ups are important. Your surgeon will make sure your eyes are healing as expected. If you have any concerns or questions, your follow-up visits are the perfect time to bring them up.

What if something feels off?

Call us right away if you notice:

• Severe pain
• Sudden vision loss
• A lot of redness or swelling

These are not common, but they can happen. We’re here to help if anything feels wrong.

Life after glasses

Once your eyes heal, life without glasses or contacts begins. You can enjoy clear vision every day without the hassle of lenses. That includes waking up and seeing your alarm clock, going swimming, or playing sports without worrying about your glasses.

Take the next step

If you haven’t had your consultation yet, now is the perfect time. Start with our quick suitability self-test. It takes just a minute and will help you find out if laser eye surgery is right for you.