Five Common Mistakes to Avoid After LASIK Surgery
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Laser vision correction surgery offers many benefits for the average person who wears eyeglasses or contact lenses. People often choose LASIK in Los Angeles, CA, because of its effectiveness and quick recovery time. If you have been considering this procedure but are worried about LASIK aftercare, the professionals at Ophthalmology Associates of the Valley can relieve your stress. Below, we have listed five things to avoid so you can experience significant, long-lasting results.
1. Rubbing your eyes after LASIK
During a LASIK consultation, your ophthalmologist will let you know what to expect after LASIK. One unexpected side effect is the sensation of itchiness in the eyes. Even though it is tempting, we encourage you not to rub your eyes for several days. This is because the cornea is especially sensitive and prone to tearing. Rubbing your eyes after LASIK can lead to serious complications.
2. Immediately returning to your old routine
Most patients have improved vision immediately after their procedure, which means they want to return to their old routines right away. Just like any other surgery, however, LASIK after care requires rest. It is especially important to limit strenuous exercise. Swimming or immersing your eyes in water is also dangerous during this time. When you attend a follow-up appointment in Los Angeles, your doctor can clear you for certain activities again.
3. Putting in eye drops wrong
Laser vision correction surgery makes your eyes more susceptible to infections while healing. This is why patients need to learn the correct way to put in LASIK eye drops. First, remove the applicator from the bottle, being careful not to touch anything with it. Then, use your non-dominant hand to pull down the lower lid of your eye. Lightly squeeze the bottle and aim for the pocket. Apply one drop at a time to avoid overfilling, then wipe away excess fluid with a fresh tissue.
4. Sun exposure after LASIK
Patients notice they are particularly sensitive to light during LASIK aftercare. This includes direct sunlight and indoor light bulbs. This is a natural part of the healing process and should subside after a short amount of time. In addition to light sensitivity, individuals also notice glare and halos as they heal. OAV recommends wearing sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats when going outside to avoid sun exposure after LASIK.
5. Skipping follow-up appointments
While laser vision correction surgery is effective and there are plenty of success stories associated with LASIK, surgery does have side effects. To help patients manage these side effects and make them feel comfortable, they should attend all follow-up appointments at OAV as scheduled. These visits allow us to examine your eyes to make sure they are healing as expected.
LASIK surgery in Los Angeles
When it comes to improving your vision, one of the most requested procedures is LASIK vision surgery. Millions of people have benefited from LASIK and fully enjoy their lives free from glasses and contacts. Whether you have questions about LASIK or want to know about your candidacy, contact Ophthalmology Associates of the Valley in Los Angeles, CA. Our team of specialists looks forward to meeting you and helping you achieve your goals.