Post-LASIK Care Instructions: Essential Do's and Don'ts

Post-LASIK Care Instructions

Proper post-operative care is crucial for successful LASIK outcomes. Dr. Ahmed Sherif at Dar El Oyoun Hospital provides these comprehensive guidelines.

Immediate Post-Operative Period (First 24 Hours)

Eye Drop Regimen

Antibiotic Drops: 4 times daily for 1 week

Anti-Inflammatory Drops: 4 times daily for 1 week

Lubricating Tears: Every hour while awake

Critical Do's

✓ Rest with eyes closed for 2-4 hours

✓ Wear protective eye shields while sleeping

✓ Use sunglasses outdoors

✓ Take prescribed pain medication if needed

✓ Keep follow-up appointment (usually next day)

Strict Don'ts

✗ DO NOT rub your eyes (most important!)

✗ Avoid getting water in your eyes

✗ No eye makeup for one week

✗ Avoid dusty or smoky environments

✗ No swimming, hot tubs, or saunas

✗ Do not drive until cleared by doctor

Week 1 Care

Eye Protection

Continue protective shields at night

Wear sunglasses during day

Avoid touching or bumping eyes

No contact sports

Hygiene

Shower with eyes closed

No face washing for 24 hours

After 24 hours, gently wash around eyes

Use clean towels

Avoid lotions and creams near eyes

Vision Expectations

Fluctuations are normal

May experience halos, glare, starbursts

Dry eyes are common

Vision continues improving

Weeks 2-4

Medication Tapering

Follow Dr. Sherif's specific instructions

Usually reduce anti-inflammatory drops

Continue lubricating tears as needed

Do not discontinue without approval

Activity Restrictions

✓ Resume most normal activities

✓ Return to work

✓ Light exercise (walking, treadmill)

✓ Reading and computer use (with breaks)

✗ Continue avoiding:

Contact sports

Swimming without goggles

Eye makeup first week

Rubbing eyes

Managing Dry Eyes

Dry eye is the most common temporary side effect:

Symptoms:

Gritty sensation

Burning or stinging

Blurred vision that clears with blinking

Excessive tearing (paradoxical)

Treatment:

Use preservative-free artificial tears frequently

Avoid air conditioning/heating vents directed at face

Use humidifier in bedroom

Omega-3 supplements may help

Prescription drops if severe

Month 1-3

Follow-Up Schedule

1 day post-op

1 week post-op

1 month post-op

3 months post-op

Long-Term Care

Annual eye exams

UV protection with sunglasses

Maintain general eye health

Report any concerns promptly

Warning Signs - When to Call Dr. Sherif

Contact Dar El Oyoun immediately for:

Emergency Symptoms:

Severe eye pain not relieved by over-the-counter pain medication

Sudden vision loss or significant decrease

Discharge (yellow or green)

Increasing redness

Flap displacement (rare)

Trauma to the eye

Concerning Symptoms:

Vision not improving as expected

Persistent or worsening dry eye

New floaters or flashes of light

Halos or glare that worsen over time

Lifestyle Modifications

First Month

Avoid smoky environments

Limit screen time, take frequent breaks

Stay hydrated

Get adequate sleep

Avoid alcohol first 48 hours (with medications)

Exercise Guidelines

Week 1: Walking only

Week 2: Jogging, cycling, yoga

Week 3-4: Gym workouts (no heavy weights overhead)

Month 2+: All activities including contact sports (with protection)

Eye Makeup

Wait minimum 1 week

Use new, fresh makeup products

Remove makeup gently

Avoid waterproof mascara initially

No eyeliner on waterline for 2 weeks

Optimizing Your Results

Compliance is Key

Studies show that strict adherence to post-operative instructions significantly improves outcomes. At Dar El Oyoun, patients who follow Dr. Sherif's care protocol have:

98%+ achieving 20/20 vision or better

Lower rates of dry eye

Faster visual recovery

Minimal complications

Questions and Support

Dr. Ahmed Sherif and the Dar El Oyoun team are available for all your post-operative concerns. Don't hesitate to call with questions.

Sheikh Zayed: +20 2 37963013 Dokki: +20 2 33382136 WhatsApp: +201066479644

Your vision is precious. Follow these instructions carefully for the best possible LASIK outcome.