Laser vision correction – post-operative recommendations

In order to ensure proper healing it is essential to follow doctor’s recommendations, for instance apply the eye drops provided by our Centre after the procedure. Recommendations regarding the convalescence period immediately after the surgery are particularly important, and adhering to them scrupulously plays a vital role in the corneal healing process as well in obtaining optimal correction results.

Facial and eye hygiene

It is strictly forbidden to rub the eyes (even through closed eyelids), especially following an SBK LASIK method for the first seven days after the surgery. It is necessary for the patient to sleep in special eye shields for the first seven nights – it stops bacteria from getting into the eyes and prevents you from rubbing the eyes during sleep.

When it comes to facial and eye hygiene, it is not allowed to use any strong detergents, which may get into the eyes and irritate the cornea. The face should be washed with water, and the eyelid area with boiled water or saline solution using a sterile swab and not rubbing the eyes. You should also be careful not to let shampoo get into your eyes when you wash your hair.

Makeup and false eyelashes

It is forbidden to put on makeup for approximately two weeks after the surgery unless the doctor gives you different recommendations. Apart from colour beauty products, eye creams and serums are not allowed either.

Eyelash extensions should not be applied for about a month after the procedure. If you wear false eyelashes, you have to remove them at least two weeks before the surgery as there is always a risk that some ingredients of the preparations used by the stylist may cause allergic reactions or eye irritation.

Protection against the sun radiation

It is important to wear sunglasses with a UV filter every time you are outdoors. They will protect your eyes not only from harmful ultraviolet radiation but also from dust and wind, as well as prevent foreign bodies from getting into your eyes. You should remember about wearing sunglasses especially during the first 3-4 weeks after the procedure.

Driving a car and air travel

You are not allowed to drive a car either after the qualifying examination (for approximately 3-4 hours) or after the laser vision correction surgery – until the first follow-up doctor’s appointment, if the doctor does not tell you otherwise (driving is allowed after the first follow-up appointment provided that your eyesight is stable enough for you to drive safely).

It is not allowed to travel by plane earlier than 3-4 days after the laser vision correction procedure in case of short-haul flights, e.g. from Poland to Great Britain. In case of long-distance journeys the time during which you need to refrain from flying becomes longer and should be individually consulted with the doctor.

Return to work

The type of work the patient does determines the length of the sick leave during which they cannot go to work. In case of office jobs in front of a computer patients can usually return to work sooner, even after a few days, on condition that they adhere to all the guidelines regarding eye hygiene.

When it comes to physical work, you may need to have a few-week break before you return to your standard routine, for instance when you are exposed to pollen or dust or you have to do some heavy lifting as part of your responsibilities.

The doctor may provide you with a sick note to cover the convalescence period if required.

Return to physical activity

The duration of the convalescence period after which you can resume your favourite physical activities varies from patient to patient and should be discussed individually with the treating physician.

It is normally allowed to return to mild cardio exercises (jogging, aerobics) approximately a week or two after the procedure. In case of water sports (swimming) or heavy weight-lifting in the gym you may have to refrain from training for about a month.

As far as extreme sports are concerned (bungee jumping, deep diving) the break should be approximately 3-month long.
The above time periods are indicative only and are subject to change if your doctor advises otherwise.

In order to make an appointment for the one-day procedure, submit filled-in preliminary qualification form available online. The pricelist contains current prices of particular methods (the prices refer to procedures performer on one eye), which include also a set of eye drops that has to be applied for a month, UV sunglasses, eye shields to wear at night and the first follow-up appointment which is scheduled either a day or a week after the surgery depending on the correction method.

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