Or Should I Let My Eyes Rest after LASIK Surgery or Refractive Lens Exchange?
The average American spends seven hours per day in front of some type of screen: computer, television, tablet, or smartphone, according to a recent study from DataReportal. With our dependence on technology, it’s hard to step away from the glowing screen – especially because our work often revolves around it.
After laser vision correction, you may be wondering whether it’s safe for you to use your computer right away. Good news! For most laser vision procedures, like SBK LASIK, your recovery time is short.
The Effects of Digital Eye Strain
Even for people who have not undergone a laser vision correction procedure, digital eye strain can be a real problem. And, some of the symptoms of digital eye strain mimic those of vision surgery recovery.
Digital eye strain – caused by too much time on a device – causes dry eyes and tires the muscles that your eyes use to focus. You may also experience burning or stinging. “Too much” time on a device is all relative, and it can vary from person to person.
Give Your Eyes a Rest After LASIK Surgery
Although recovery is quick after a modern laser vision correction procedure, your eyes will still benefit from getting away from an electronic device!
The day of your surgery, you’ll want to stay awake so you can apply lubricating preservative-free tears every 30 minutes. While it won’t necessarily hurt your eyes to use your computer or smartphone, as your vision begins to clear, you may find it more comfortable to avoid screens altogether, for up to 24 hours.
Your refractive eye surgeon at Durrie Vision will provide guidelines specific to your eyes, based on your occupation, for your recovery period.
Take Frequent Breaks During Screen Time
As your eyes recover from laser vision surgery, they may feel dryer than normal. Using a computer or tablet could exacerbate the feeling of dry eye, partially because you actually blink less often when you’re looking at a screen.
In addition to regularly using the artificial tears we recommend post-surgery, you should make a conscious effort to blink frequently when using your computer, smartphone, or television.
You also should take frequent breaks as you recover. Every 20 minutes, look away from your screen, and focus on an object at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Get Plenty of Rest After Laser Vision Correction
Your cornea needs time to heal after surgical vision correction. Just like you’d practice good sleep hygiene after any other surgery, you should after LASIK and related procedures, too. Head to bed at a reasonable hour, and avoid the late-night endless scroll on social media.
Listen to your body, and respond in kind. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, and give your eyes time to rest and recover.
What Else Should I Avoid After LASIK Surgery?
Taking a break from screens could be beneficial as you recover. But there are some things you definitely should avoid.
- Rubbing your eyes. This can shift your corneal flap.
- Using eye make up, creams, or lotions around your eyes. They can get into your eyes and cause irritation, inflammation, or infection.
- Sleeping without your protective eye goggles for the first two nights.
- Dust- or debris-filled environments, such as construction sites, without protective eye goggles.
- Getting soap and water in your eyes during your shower or bath.
- Swimming or hot tubs, for the first week; wear goggles for two weeks after that.
Listen to Your Refractive Surgeon’s Recovery Instructions
After your vision correction procedure, you’ll receive instructions on how to care for your eyes for the coming months. Be sure to follow your surgeon’s instructions. If you have a question about them, contact Durrie Vision.
There’s no such thing as a silly question when it comes to your vision!
Ready to Improve Your Eyesight? Schedule a Consultation at Durrie Vision
Why choose Durrie Vision over your other options for laser vision correction in Kansas City? Come see us because our physicians participated in clinical research for numerous vision correction surgeries, and because our founder pioneered the latest LASIK surgery technique, called SBK.
At Durrie Vision, you’ll experience the best possible care and the most thorough comprehensive consultation exam. We call it our Advanced Ocular Analysis, a seven-step process that tells us everything we need to know about your eye health.
When it’s time for your LASIK surgery, refractive lens exchange, or cataract surgery, be assured that we’ll keep you comfortable and walk you through every step of the way.
See clearer, with Durrie Vision. Schedule your consultation today.