Common Mistakes to Avoid After LASIK Eye Surgery

January 11, 2025

So, you have just got permanent freedom from eyeglasses and contact lenses after Lasik. Congratulations! Life after Lasik eye surgery is like stepping into an HD world where everything looks crystal clear. No blurry vision, no twitching, no headaches and ease of doing each and every activity - so satisfying! 

But hold on - crystal clear vision comes with certain responsibilities. To ensure full recovery and long lasting sharp vision, there are a few things that need to be done. In this blog we will walk you through the common mistakes to avoid post Lasik surgery as well as some tips and tricks to ensure its effectiveness. Dive in!

What To Expect After Lasik Eye Surgery

Lasik eye surgery is a type of refractive surgery that corrects the eye power in cases of nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The most common concern of patients undergoing Lasik eye surgery is how soon can they expect a better vision. 

Well, most patients experience improved vision within 24 - 48 hours after the surgery. The vision rapidly improves day by day and a stabilized vision can take about 2 - 3 months to achieve. To ensure the best visual outcome, you must follow a good care regime and avoid certain mistakes. 

7 Common Mistakes To Avoid After Lasik Eye Surgery

Upgrading your vision with Lasik is exciting, life changing and a surreal experience. But don’t let this post surgery excitement make you neglect the recovery rules. For quick recovery and long-lasting crystal clear vision, here are the common mistakes you should avoid:

  • Rubbing your eyes

We get it, your eyes may feel itchy and you may feel very tempted to rub them. Do Not, as this can totally mess up the entire Lasik procedure. The corneal flap is still healing and needs to remain untouched for a couple of weeks. Rubbing your eyes post Lasik surgery can not only dislocate the flap but also cause permanent damage to the cornea.

  • Skipping the eye drops

You have to step up your eyedrop game if you want your Lasik to have lasting results. The medicated eye drops will keep the eye hydrated and will eliminate the chances of itching, dry eyes, and infection. Missing the schedule once a while is ok but you have to follow this regime most of the time.

  • Not wearing eye shields

Your corneas are fragile post Lasik eye treatment. To avoid bumping your eyes on something or mindlessly rubbing it, wearing eye shields is crucial even while you are sleeping. This may task you a bit initially but is very important for quick recovery and long lasting HD vision.

  • Not wearing sunglasses while outdoors

Think of sunglasses as your post Lasik protective shield. Be it blazing sun or gusty winds, your eyes need protection. Not wearing shades can cause squinting eyes and serious UV damage. Therefore, rock those glasses everywhere, every time!

  • High screen time

Beginning watching your  favourite shows again or mindlessly scrolling through social media can be very tempting. Your eyes need time to heal and staring at screens can seriously hinder recovery by causing dryness and eye strain. Avoid exposing your eyes to screens for 24 hours. After that, follow the 20 -20- 20 rule where you need to look away from the screen every 20 minutes, for 20 seconds, on something 20 feet away.

  • Skipping follow-up appointments

Prevention is better than cure! Skipping follow ups may not seem like a big deal but they can make all the difference when it comes to quick recovery. Follow ups will help the doctors ensure that your eyes are healing properly and can also help them detect potential issues early on.

  • Resuming sports activities too soon

If you are an athlete or love sports activities like swimming, football or cricket, sharp vision may tempt you to restart sports activities immediately. Resist because this can lead to serious vision damage. Wait for at least two weeks to resume any sports activity and post that use protective goggles.

Potential Risks Of Skipping Post Lasik Care

The success rate of eyeglasses removal treatment through Lasik is high provided you follow the post-surgery care regime religiously. If you do not avoid the mistakes mentioned above, you are prone to the following risks

  • Folding of corneal flap

Excessive rubbing of eyes as well as not using recommended eye drops as per the regime can cause the flap to fold leading to damaged vision.

  • Dislocation of corneal flap

Constant squeezing of eyelids, not wearing eye shields, and rubbing or squinting the eyes can dislocate the flap. This will undo everything good that was achieved by Lasik.

  • Dry Eyes

Not using the eye drops post Lasik can lead to dehydrated eyes and cause serious itching. You can not touch your eyes for a few weeks therefore eye drops are your only saviour when it comes to post surgery care.

  • Infections

Not taking precautions after undergoing Lasik surgery may lead to severe, non-reversible infections. Follow the prescribed post-operative care regime religiously to get sharp, long-lasting vision.

Essential Post Lasik Tips - What Not To Do 

To get the best results from Lasik vision correction surgery, here are a few tips & tricks that you can follow:

  • Do not apply creams, lotions & makeup on the face especially around the eyes
  • Avoid driving for at least 2-3 days post surgery
  • Avoid strenuous exercises for at least 2-4 weeks after getting Lasik done
  • Do not smoke for a few days. Avoid being exposed to even passive smoking
  • Do not allow water, soap or shampoo to enter your eyes while bathing
  • Avoid going in dirt, hazardous environments for a few weeks post surgery

The Bottom Line

Lasik eye surgery for vision correction is just the beginning to a brighter, clearer life. Taking precautions and avoiding mistakes goes a long way in maintaining your vision and making it last long. Follow your doctor’s advice and the post-operative routine religiously and you will rock your crystal clear vision without any hitch! 

If you are looking for an eye hospital in North India, stay assured as the region offers world-class eye care and eyeglass removal treatments at affordable rates.