After Laser Vision Correction in Overland Park, I Wanted to Take Better Care of My Eyes
An SBK Advanced LASIK surgery patient who received laser vision correction at Durrie Vision in 2022 shares her experiences with post-surgery eye care.
When I scheduled my LASIK surgery for January of this year, I decided to look at it like an investment. My return on investment is improved vision and the money I’ll save over the years that I would normally have spent on eyeglasses and other vision-related necessities.
And to protect my investment, I knew I would need to take better care of my eyes. Using advice I received after laser vision correction and my own realizations, I’ve taken steps to keep my eyes safe.
Here’s what I’m doing to care for my eyes after SBK LASIK surgery at Durrie Vision.
Immediately After Laser Vision Correction: Cold Preservative-Free Tears
After my SBK LASIK surgery was complete, I followed my refractive surgeon’s instructions to regularly apply preservative-free tears to my eyes. Upon the advice of one of the team members at Durrie Vision, I also stuck a few of the tubes of tears in the refrigerator.
The cold drops felt soothing in my eyes as I recovered and did a great job of keeping my eyes moist after surgery. I still keep a few tubes of tears in my refrigerator as my vision continues to settle in and until my dry eyes alleviate.
Buy and Wear Protective Goggles for Certain Hobbies
Before I underwent LASIK surgery, I didn’t really give a second thought about protecting my eyes while in the woodworking shop or at the gun range. I wore blue-light blocker lenses in my eyeglasses when I used a computer, but that was the extent of it. But striking or scraping eye injuries are very common; they happen when small particles or objects make contact with your open eye.
After SBK LASIK surgery in January, I immediately purchased two sets of protective goggles to wear while I participated in my hobbies. Each pair was designed to protect my eyes during these activities, and they didn’t cost much. I stow them in protective sleeves and keep them with my gear, so they’re ready to go when I need them.
It’s nice to know that for less than the cost of a dinner out with my husband, I can protect my eyes – and my investment in my vision.
Gently Combat Itchy Allergy Eyes
After my laser vision correction surgery was complete, Dr. Stahl and the Durrie Vision staff repeatedly reminded me to not rub my eyes, even if they were itchy. Overzealous eye rubbing can shift the corneal flap made during the surgery.
Before my treatment, I would have rubbed my eyes with abandon, rather than taking steps to prevent the cause of itchiness. But eye rubbing isn’t just bad after eye surgery. It can also break the tiny blood vessels in and around your eyes and promote the development of dark circles and wrinkles.
Today, I continue to use preservative-free tears to keep my eyes moistened. I also use them if my eyes feel itchy from allergies, or if I think I may have an eyelash in my eye. And if I really feel the urge to rub my eyes, I tap the skin around my eye or the bridge of my nose with a single finger until the itchy sensation is gone.
Always Wear Sunglasses When Outdoors
Although I had previously purchased prescription sunglasses from a mail-order company, I rarely wore them because the lenses weren’t quite right. I would go outside on the sunniest days without UV protection because it was convenient. It was an unfortunate decision, because UV rays can hasten the development of cataracts, cause corneal sunburn, and even lead to skin cancer around your eyelids.
In truth, one of the reasons I was excited for laser vision correction was purely vanity: I wanted to wear fun sunglasses that coordinated with my outfits and personal style.
Now that my vision is back to 20/20 or better, I am happy to protect my eyes from harmful UV rays and have a small, but growing collection of sunglasses to be able to do it.
Toss Old Eye Makeup After Its Expiration Date
On every piece of cosmetic packaging, there’s an icon of an open container followed by a number. That is the number of months for which the cosmetic can be safely used after it’s been opened.
Because I foolishly took pride in thriftiness, I often ignored this expiration date on my cosmetic packaging, including on serums and facial cleansers. But there truly is a reason why this information is printed on every package!
Old makeup, particularly eye makeup like mascara, can harbor bacteria that can affect the health of your skin, eyes, and eyelashes. When tiny flecks of product land in your eyes, you expect some redness and irritation, but infections can threaten your vision.
After investing in myself through laser vision correction, I don’t hesitate to toss opened cosmetics, especially if I’m unsure when I bought and opened them. Now, I write the date I first used the product on the container to help me stay on track.
Replicate My Changes to Take Better Care of Your Eyes Before and After Laser Vision Correction
Although I had SBK LASIK, the changes I made in how I care for my eyes can also benefit you after you’ve had procedures like refractive lens exchange, refractive cataract surgery, SMILE Vision Correction, Advanced Surface Ablation PRK, and the other treatments offered at Durrie Vision.
Any of these laser vision corrections are investments in your eyes, in your health, and in your future, so why wouldn’t you take further steps to protect your vision?
For more information on whether you qualify for a vision correction surgery, or for advice on taking care of your eyes, contact Durrie Vision by calling (913) 491-3330.