Care before and after LASIK

LASIK Before and after surgery Preparation, recovery and signs to watch for. Dr. Nuno Lopes | Ophthalmology LASIK corrects refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism, aiming to reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses. Suitability and expected results are assessed individually. Corneal flap Laser on the stroma Flap repositioned In LASIK, the flap is preserved and repositioned. Preoperative preparation Contact lenses: stop wearing them for the period specified by your ophthalmologist so the cornea can regain its natural curvature. Food: follow the hospital's instructions on food and any fasting. If you are allowed to eat, avoid heavy meals. Face: do not wear make-up, facial creams, lotions or perfume on the day of the procedure. Clothes: choose comfortable clothing, avoiding fabrics that shed fibres or wool. Companion: have an adult accompany you. Allow around 2 to 3 hours at the hospital, depending on local arrangements. Sun protection: bring non-prescription sunglasses.

The procedure and the first few hours What happens in the operating theatre? A disposable cap and gown are placed over your clothing. You lie on the operating table; the eye is disinfected and anaesthetic drops are applied. One eye is treated at a time. The procedure is brief, although its duration varies. During laser treatment, keep looking at the indicated light. You may hear equipment noises and feel pressure. At one stage of preparation, vision may temporarily decrease for a few seconds. Tell the team if you feel pain or significant discomfort. What might you feel initially? In the first few hours there may be grittiness, watering, discomfort, fluctuating vision and light sensitivity. A small bleed may appear on the white of the eye and usually disappears within 1 to 2 weeks. Visual recovery varies; some fluctuations may last longer. Protect the eye Apply eye drops Attend appointments When you get home 01 Rest for a few hours in gentle lighting, keeping your eyes closed as instructed. 02 Wear the eye shield during sleep for the first week or for the period advised by the team. 03 Do not scratch or rub your eyes: friction can displace the corneal flap.

Resuming activities This timetable provides recovery reference points. Only progress if recovery is satisfactory and your team confirms that you may do so. Individual instructions take priority. Time reference Activities and care From 24 hours Reading, television, computer and phone use as tolerated, with breaks. Shower your body while protecting your eyes from water. Confirm when you may lift weights. From 48 hours Wash your head and hair carefully, keeping water, shampoo and soap out of your eyes. First 1 to 2 weeks Avoid direct sunlight and wear sunglasses outdoors, particularly if sensitive to light. From 1 week Light, non-contact exercise, only after approval. From 2 weeks Resuming make-up, beach visits or swimming requires medical approval. Restrictions on water and swimming pools may extend beyond this time. From 1 month Contact sports and other activities carrying a risk of eye injury require approval and appropriate protection. Do not dive with your eyes open without explicit advice. DRIVING Do not drive during the first few days. Wait for confirmation that your vision and recovery allow you to drive safely.

Medication and follow-up Eye drops and artificial tears The team will provide your prescription. The protocol may include antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medication for about one week and artificial tears for 1 to 2 months. The actual medicine, frequency and duration are those on your prescription. Keep the bottle away from the eye Close gently without squeezing Follow the schedule Wash your hands and do not touch your eye, eyelashes or eyelids with the bottle. Observe the advised interval between different eye drops. Do not change treatment or use other products without advice. Attend all follow-up appointments. SEEK IMMEDIATE ASSESSMENT Severe or persistent pain; sudden, marked loss or reduction of vision; extreme sensitivity to light developing later or worsening. Contact the team or go to hospital. NEXT APPOINTMENT Date: ____ / ____ / ______ Time: ____ : ____ Location: ___________________________________________________ Information guide. It does not replace your surgical team's individual instructions.