Laser Eye Surgery Articles                

Aftercare following laser eye surgery....18th Feb 2010

To ensure that eye laser treatment achieves the best results, it is absolutely critical to maintain a continuous aftercare program for at least two months subsequent to surgery. Thankfully, the aftercare program does not involve any expensive medication or complicated procedures - it is based on common sense and a respect for the exceptionally sensitive eye area for around two to three months after eyes surgery.

There are two separate types of eye laser treatment, each of which requires slightly different types of aftercare. For both types, however, there is a recommended minimum of three aftercare appointments with either the surgeons who carried out the treatment, or a trained optician. For those clients who have undergone LASIK eyes surgery, which takes a shorter time to heal, the first aftercare appointment should ideally take place the day after surgery.

The next appointment should be scheduled for a week after that and the final appointment for six to eight weeks after the eye laser treatment has been performed. For those who have undergone LASEK eyes surgery, which takes slightly longer to heal, the first aftercare appointment with an optician should take place three to four days after treatment, with another following seven to ten days after that and then another six to eight weeks afterwards.


Whilst all patients should receive a set of personalised guidelines specific to their own aftercare, there are some general guidelines that all patients should follow. For straight after the surgery, it is advised that the patient bring somebody with them for help and assistance in getting home after the surgery, as vision is still blurred for a few hours after the procedure. It is common for patients to be advised to sleep for a few hours after surgery to rest the eyes. Patients are warned that it may feel as if there is a foreign body in their eye and must avoid rubbing their eyes until recovery has been completed. Similarly, some patients may experience longsightedness for a few weeks after eyes surgery and may need to wear glasses temporarily to rectify this. Showers should be avoided for two days after treatment and soap and other facial skincare products should not be applied to the face during this period. Driving should be avoided for a week.

In the longer term, the eyes must be lubricated before watching TV or using a computer screen, thanks to the glare that the screens may produce. It is also a good idea to avoid immersing the eyes in water - so rain is to be avoided as much as possible, whilst swimming is forbidden for up to three months after eye laser treatment. Sunbeds must be avoided for up to three months and the application of eye makeup is to be avoided for the first few weeks after the procedure. Any medication must be taken correctly and in the right dosages (eye drops, for example). If there is confusion about any medication, advice should be given by an optician or eye surgeon.

By following these guidelines, discomfort after eyes surgery should be minimised and the healing process will be faster. Most patients should see crisp, clear vision within 3 months of treatment.