LASIK Do's and Don'ts: Complete Aftercare Guide for Best Results

DO: First 24-48 Hours

• DO use prescribed eye drops exactly as instructed (set phone alarms — don't rely on memory)
• DO wear the protective shield when sleeping for 7 nights
• DO wear sunglasses when outdoors (UV protection + reduces light sensitivity)
• DO rest with eyes closed as much as possible in the first 4-6 hours
• DO sleep on your back or unoperated side — never face down
• DO use lubricating drops liberally — every 30-60 minutes if needed
• DO call your surgeon with any concerns — pain, sudden vision change, severe redness

DON'T: First 24-48 Hours

• DON'T rub your eyes — even gently. This is the #1 rule.
• DON'T touch or press on your eyes when applying drops (use the lower eyelid)
• DON'T get water in your eyes — be careful when showering
• DON'T watch TV/use screens for the first 2-3 hours after surgery
• DON'T drive until your day-1 follow-up clears you
• DON'T drink alcohol for 24-48 hours (interferes with medications)
• DON'T smoke — slows healing
• DON'T sleep on your stomach — risk of flap displacement

DO: First Week

• DO continue all eye drops as scheduled
• DO take 1-2 days off work if possible
• DO use lubricating drops generously, especially during screen work
• DO take 5-10 minute breaks every 30 minutes when reading or using computer
• DO wear sunglasses outdoors
• DO stay hydrated — 2.5-3 litres water daily
• DO eat well — protein, fruits, vegetables for healing
• DO attend your day-1 and week-1 follow-ups — non-negotiable

DON'T: First Week

• DON'T rub your eyes (still the #1 rule)
• DON'T swim or take baths — only quick showers with face protection
• DON'T use eye makeup (mascara, eyeliner, eyeshadow)
• DON'T do heavy exercise, gym, or yoga
• DON'T do contact sports or activities with eye-impact risk
• DON'T enter dusty environments (construction sites, heavy traffic)
• DON'T expose eyes to chemicals — hair colouring, spa treatments, harsh cleaning products

Weeks 2-4: Gradual Resumption

OK to resume: - Light gym, jogging, yoga (no inversions or face-down poses) - Travel by air, train, road - Eye makeup (use NEW products to avoid contamination) - Reduced eye drops as your surgeon's tapering schedule indicates - Driving at night (start cautious — halos may be present)

Still avoid: - Swimming (allowed week 4 with goggles) - Contact sports (allowed week 4-6) - Saunas, steam rooms - Eye rubbing (always)

Long-Term Care (Beyond 6 Weeks)

DO: - Annual comprehensive eye exam — same as everyone else - Use sunglasses with UV protection outdoors - Use lubricating drops if dry-eye symptoms persist (becomes optional after 3-6 months for most) - Eat eye-healthy diet (greens, eggs, fish, nuts, citrus) - Get prompt evaluation for any sudden vision changes, pain, or persistent dryness

DON'T: - Don't ignore future vision changes — annual checks catch issues early - Don't assume you'll never need glasses — presbyopia (reading glasses) develops naturally after 40 - Don't skip warning signs — sudden floaters, flashes, or curtain shadow needs same-day evaluation (signs of retinal issue, not LASIK-related but important)