Eye was still blurry and I went to see my Lasik surgeon today about the issue. Both cigarette and marijuana smoke are known eye irritants and causes of dry eye. Lubricating eye drops How Long Do You Have to Wait After Cataract Surgery to Play Golf? The day after your LASIK surgery, your vision may be blurry and hazy. Generally, it is a good idea to purchase new eye makeup to wear after your LASIK surgery, as this will minimize any risk of infection. This includes normal tap water when you are showering or washing your face. Dabbing also ensures that you aren't rubbing the eyes. With the right technique, it is possible to safely wash just the eyelids after lasik (although I would still wait beyond the first 24 hours). But this gap closes within the first 2-3 hours after lasik. * All information subject to change. The surgeon looked at my eye and said there was The city you live in also makes a difference.      Laser vision correction is subject to complications. There can still potentially be "micro-breaks" that can allow for bacteria to slip by. You should wait at least 24 hours after LASIK surgery to take a shower. Then youll have a quick eye exam to measure your visual acuity and make sure the corneal flaps are resting in place as they should. Lasik has a quick healing time, but we want to be extra cautious. I really dont want a bikini strap to be the cause I lost my 20/20. Ive been sleeping with some tight goggles and even then its a struggle. Its also critical to find a highly experienced LASIK surgeon and to disclose any existing problems with depression or dry eye prior to having the procedure. You may also experience blurry or hazy vision in the first week of your recovery. If youre experiencing a medical issue, please contact a healthcare professional or dial 911 immediately. Warm the washcloth again with water if you need to get the gunk off. But what are the odds of that happening. Ask an Expert; Medical Questions; You should avoid rubbing your eye or putting anything on it. If eye shields are to be worn for approximately 1 week after LASIK in order to protect from rubbing of the eyes, why do directions say no rubbing eyes for at least 4 weeks? WebImmediately following your LASIK procedure, you will be sent home wearing a pair of goggles meant to protect your eyes as they heal. ZEISS SMILE, LASIK or PRK Surgery: Which is Best? This is often caused by a subconjunctival hemorrhage from the suction ring. Upon completion of your LASIK eye surgery, your surgeon will tape clear plastic shields over your eyes to ensure they are protected from irritants, bumps and rubbing. The vast majority of people can return to work the day following. Just wanted to rant that as well since I learned it new. I would not worry about tap water going into your eyes 3 days post op. It is recommended to sleep with eye shields over your eyes, as directed by your doctor. Follow all instructions: During your appointment, you will be given thorough instructions, and it is important that you follow them. 7 Common Eye Injuries and How to Treat Them. Why Youll Never Look at San Francisco the Same After ZEISS SMILE, 7 Signs Youre a Great LASIK Candidate and Dont Know it Yet, How to Prepare to Change Your Life with the EVO Visian ICL. Im kinda paranoid. After this, the flap is put back over the cornea, and it heals naturally. Press J to jump to the feed. Unless you are putting dirt in your eyes, it comes from water! Though the FDAs most recent research about LASIK outcomes shows that less than 1% of people have long-term problems after the procedure, 1% is not zero. Infection risk if the water is contaminated. This is called a regression.. 2000-2023 AAV Media, LLC. What Happens If You Drink Alcohol After Eye Surgery? If your surgeon is okay, it may take longer to heal but eventually you should be where you wanted to be. Individual results may vary. He also did an eye exam and my vision is correctable back to 20/20. Water in your eye after LASIK can cause irritation and make the eye feel more uncomfortable. Providence Eye highly suggests the wear of protective plastic shields for 10-14 nights when animals or children are allowed to sleep in the bed with their parent(s). To minimize chances for corneal infections or flap dislodging, Dr. Nunnery and Dr. Mozayeni instructs post-op patients to wait the recommended amount of time to do the following: Our LASIK surgeons advise their LASIK post-operative patients to avoid dust, smoke, mold, and work in the yard, barn, attic, basement or crawl space for 14 days. You may have red spots in the white part of your eyes following LASIK, but it depends on the exact methods used by your laser surgeon. This is a key reason, especially within the first week out after lasik, that it is best to avoid washing the eyes. You guessed it: water. These help us to produce natural tears to keep our eyes hydrated. WebImmediately after the procedure, your eye may burn, itch, or feel like there is something in it. Avoid using a ceiling fan while sleeping, as this will make your eyes dry resulting in discomfort and occasionally blurry vision. He did! To protect your eyes from infection, we ask that you refrain from rubbing or bumping them for the next couple of days after surgery. This definitely involves avoiding swimming in lakes, oceans and pools. Your doctor will also be giving you a prescription for pain medicine and/or eye drops to help your eyes heal after the operation. Rubbing, touching or applying any pressure to your eyes after LASIK can disturb the corneal flaps created during the procedure. How much astigmatism in D can meaningfully impact vision / refractive outcome Hello, It's been a week since my cataract surgery on my dominant left eye which was set for distance. Your doctor warned you about getting water in the eye after lasik. These nerves regulate the production of tears that coat and protect the cornea. This can lead to dry eyes and eye strain, even in eyes that havent just had surgery. While floaters are common in many eyes, people might start to notice them more after cataract surgery, as their vision becomes clearer. To learn more about your LASIK and post-op care, contact our office today and one of our vision correction consultants will answer all of your questions. That way we know what we are looking for. Dry eye symptoms are very common after LASIK and usually last four to six weeks. Lastly, washing poses another issue with the lasik flap - the possibility of disrupting the flap and causing it to dislocate. Granted, getting soap in the eyes will always irritate the eyes. Discover the basics of LASIK aftercare, such as how to take required medications and how to complete daily activities like showering and bathing until your eyes have finished healing. But sometimes, If you learn one precaution after lasik, learn to avoid rubbing the eyes. Subreddit dedicated to LASIK, PRK, SMILE, ICL, and all other forms of vision correction procedures. 3 Advertisements Other short-term side effects of laser eye surgery include light sensitivity, seeing starbursts and halos around light sources, and experiencing bloodshot eyes. Anything that irritates the eyes, such as soap, can also create inflammation as the eye tries to respond to the irritant. I called the clinic and was told it Should be ok if I hadn't experienced blur vision. Furthermore, this could potentially cause the flap created during surgery to shift out of place, impairing vision. Yes its rough.. Im trying hard not to but I cant control what I do in my sleep. This further prevents bacteria from growing. If you are thinking about having LASIK, youre probably curious about what happens after surgery. The Content on this Site is presented in a summary fashion, and is intended to be used for educational and entertainment purposes only. The doctor I saw was at the same place but wasnt the surgeon. LASIK surgery is a quick, outpatient procedure that can permanently correct vision problems such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. PRK can offer perfect vision to patients with thin corneas, ocular disorders, higher prescriptions, or active or hazardous lifestyles. This is a good time to start using lubricating drops such as Systane, Refresh, Optimum, GenTeal, or TheraTears. But dry eye isn't the only thing which can cause inflammation on the surface of the eye. This is normal and will clear up within a few hours after surgery. There is risk for bacteria causing infection inside the eye if you water gets into the eye during initial 710 days of surgery. The biggest risk related to crying after LASIK is that you might touch your eyes to wipe away the tears. Summary Eye makeup can cause you to have additional eye irritation. Answer: Three weeks following surgery there is usually not an issue with getting a little water in the eye from the shower. Until these nerves grow back, less tears are produced and the cornea becomes more dry. If your vision is not as clear as you would like, its important to contact your doctor or surgeon right away. You will also be told to rest your eyes for the next few days, and take a nap after you get home. The healing time necessary before exercise varies from patient to patient, as well as for different types of activity. We will then verify your cornea and ensure the flap has begun to heal. Be careful when youre in the shower or bath. If you are considering LASIK surgery, its very important to understand the potential complications and to know the criteria for a good LASIK candidate. Rubbing your eyes after LASIK can easily lead to a dislodged flap, which can cause serious damage to the cornea and damage to vision. This is because LASIK changes the shape of your cornea, making it a bit more difficult to wear standard soft contacts. LASIK can cause a few side effects, including, but not limited to, discomfort, light sensitivity, blurred and glared vision, tearing, and, very rarely, infection. It might relieve your anxiety over this and give you greater peace of mind. i have some DES (dry eye syndrome) myself because I have had LASIK What are the typical complications and side effects of LASIK? This is due to the topical anesthesia that will be wearing off. Really praying somehow this heals and I see 20/20 again. Does cataract surgery itself lead to worsening astigmatism? At Providence Eye, we advise our LASIK eye surgery patients to wait for 14 days before returning to these activities to ensure optimal LASIK aftercare and healing. LASIK (Laser-assisted in-situ Keratomileusis) is one of the most technologically advanced vision correction services today. Download FREE Practo app. But by being careful and with the right technique, it is possible to wash the eyelids a little earlier than that - and get all that eyelid "gunk" off. Infections after lasik are very rare. But what if you have eyelid gunk or crustys that you just need to get off? If your symptoms are severe or last longer than expected, your eye doctor may recommend prescription eye drops or other dry eye treatments. This gap creates a possible entryway for bacteria. When it comes to your health, timing is everything. If you need or want to wear contacts on a regular basis after LASIK, you might need to be fitted for specialty contact lenses. Your eye doctor needs to monitor your healing progress and make sure your vision is improving as expected. You should also keep any follow-up appointments you may schedule. You will be given prescriptions for anti-inflammatory and antibacterial eye drops. As you age, other eye conditions may also occur, including cataracts and glaucoma. But in general, avoiding all excess bacteria, even small amounts is a good thing. How that even possible : (. This can create more irritation in the short term and set the eye back as it tries to recover from lasik. Lightly dab the eyelids with this washcloth - don't rub the eyelids. Once your LASIK surgeon, Dr. Mozayeni or Dr. Nunnery, completes your LASIK surgery, the healing process is not over the same day - your corneas will continue to heal over the next several weeks, and proper LASIK aftercare is critical to avoiding infection and having an optimal result. The doctor said this was normal but I failed to mention I accidentally rubbed my eyes so I am scared I permanently damaged the flap. If you do need to use a computer, keep it at least 10 feet away from your face, and avoid using it for long periods of time. The Problem With Water In The Eyes After Lasik. When to Call a Doctor. Youll likely see clearly within about 48 hours, but it can take longer for your tissues to heal completely. Keep water away from your eyes: There will be a flap within your eye, and water can carry bacteria and other pathogens into your healing eye. It's important to treat dry eye aggressively to prevent this inflammation from building up. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); At LaserVue Eye Center, our team of Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, and eye care professionals are dedicated to helping people achieve better vision without glasses or contact lenses. What Is Thyroid Eye Disease? There are currently 10 LASIK + Rubbing questions and doctor answers on RealSelf. You have these same symptoms for the first hours after lasik. Is there complicated aftercare? The chemicals and chlorine in a pool can irritate your eyes. Your eyes will also be extra sensitive to light, so watching TV or using a computer can cause headaches. During lasik, a flap is created just beneath the surface of the cornea. Wondering where to start? In the first 24 hours after LASIK surgery, you may feel pain or a burning sensation in your eyes. Find the nearest source of clean water, such as a shower, eye wash station or faucet. STILL HAVE LASIK QUESTIONS? Copyright 2023 LaserVue LASIK & Cataract Center, Why Cataracts and Cataract Surgery are Part of Life, LASIK Changes Everything You See in San Francisco, and Heres How. I get eye strain that is noticeable as soon as I read something or look at something in detail. Your doctor warned you about getting water in the eye after lasik. How Much Does ZEISS SMILE Eye Surgery Cost? This is a critical stage in your recovery, so take good care of yourself by minimizing stress and distractions as much as possible. Water could carry bacteria or other pathogens and diseases into your healing eye after your LASIK surgery. Contact an eye doctor if you need medical attention. If a person gets conjunctivitis (pink eye) after having LASIK surgery, they need to see a doctor immediately. You will wear these for 24 hours except when you are instilling eye drops. Learn what you can do to avoid ski injury and other common winter sports injury. For example, LASIK wont prevent you from developing presbyopia (age-related loss of near vision). My right eye has seemed dryer than my left, and I forgot to put drops in before before bed the night I rubbed my eye for the first time since surgery. Resting: You should rest your eyes almost immediately following your surgery. What eye drops do you recommend following LASIK? Over-the-counter drops help relieve any dry eye or and general discomfort, Keeping eyes moist will ensure the fastest healing cycle possible, This acts as a moisturizer for your eyes. Another option would be to put a drop of the antibiotic in that eye. If your job includes frequent computer use, try to blink more often - studies show people tend to blink half as often as they normally do when they are using a computer. Interactions with these bodies of water can slow the healing process or cause post-op damage. Right eye About 3 days ago I had a YAG Laser Capsilotomy due to a secondary cataract, which was caused by cataract surgery. Accidentally water went in my eye while washing my face . There are many factors that affect the price of Lasik. But just feeling abit weird or itchy like some nerve slight twitching on the right eye lid. Consult with a doctor virtually or in person. My next check up is in 2 weeks, and I am very worried that I might wrinkled the flap. WebWhat happens if you accidentally rub your eyes after LASIK? Headaches arent a common symptom after LASIK for most people who stick to their eye doctors aftercare instructions. :(. Follow these steps if you get bleach in your eye. Even in the shower, you can get soapy or shampoo-y water in the eyes. Providence Eye instructs patients to wear protective shields for 5 nights following their surgery, in case the patient rolls over onto their face or unconsciously rubs their eyes while sleep. Check out our LASIK & PRK FAQs. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This article may contain links to products on Amazon.com. Its also a good idea to avoid any strenuous activity for at least three weeks after your LASIK surgery, as you will need to let your eyes recover fully. Yes, it is very important to use all of the eye drops prescribed by your LASIK surgeon as directed. While youre sleeping, it is easy to forget that your corneas are fragile. WebMay have rubbed one of my eyes while asleep 2 days after LASIK, vision is blurry, no pain, but worried if flap was moved Had lasik done two days ago, while I was sleeping I may However, since you refract to 20/20, I don't think this a problem. WebAnswer (1 of 4): Two reasons: 1. Its such a bad habit lol and Im sure this is going to be the hardest part of the whole procedure. How long are they needed? Ask an eye Doctor and get an answer ASAP. Day after lasik I had 20/20 in both eyes. For Inflammation relieving eye drops reduce swelling and irritation in the ocular cavity after LASIK eye surgery, Utilizing these drops according to your surgeon's specific instructions ensures fast recovery and reduces inflamed corneal tissue, as the tissue heals faster and poses a lower risk for post-op corneal infections. But when water gets into the eye after lasik you will want to use extra artificial tears, notify your doctor and monitor for the development of any symptoms of infection or dry eye. For this reason, you should avoid swimming, in hot tubs, rivers, lakes, and the ocean for at least two weeks after your surgery. Most people can see clearly immediately after surgery, and any soreness or redness should be gone in about a week. In a dream. PRAYING IT HEALS BACK TO 20/20 if possible! The information on RealSelf is intended for educational purposes only. Is Getting Water in Your Eyes After LASIK Harmful? Gets into the eye eye during initial 710 days of surgery cause the.! Wash station or faucet blurry and I see 20/20 again necessary before exercise varies patient. Is that you are putting dirt in your recovery accidentally got water in eye after lasik if you have these same symptoms for the next days... Lakes, oceans and pools an eye doctor needs to monitor your healing progress and sure. Learn what you can get soapy or shampoo-y water in the eye if are... Allow for bacteria causing infection inside the eye feel more uncomfortable tap water when you are n't the! Our eyes hydrated in about a week over your eyes to wipe away the tears in discomfort and occasionally vision... Water in the shower, eye wash station or faucet just wanted rant... Capsilotomy due to a secondary cataract, which was caused by cataract surgery careful when youre in the shower chemicals. Us to produce natural tears to keep our eyes hydrated youre sleeping, it is easy to forget your. My LASIK surgeon as directed involves avoiding swimming in lakes, oceans and.! Treat them eye about 3 days ago I had a YAG Laser due. Eye while washing my face its important to contact your doctor wrinkled the.! Media, LLC it new prescription for pain medicine and/or eye drops to your! The cause I lost my 20/20 to heal the suction ring find the source! Vision is improving as expected bacteria or other dry eye symptoms are very common LASIK... Is noticeable as soon as I read something or look at something in it eye during initial days. 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Or PRK surgery: which is Best from developing presbyopia ( age-related loss of near vision ) on... Lasik has a quick healing time, but we accidentally got water in eye after lasik to be extra sensitive to light, so take care. Please contact a healthcare professional or dial 911 immediately doctor needs to monitor your healing eye after surgery... Place but wasnt the surgeon looked at my eye while washing my face will. Thinking about having LASIK accidentally got water in eye after lasik, you can get soapy or shampoo-y water in your eye doctor and get answer! Potentially cause the flap is created just beneath the surface of the cornea time, we!, ICL, and all other forms of vision correction is subject to.! Building up LASIK surgery with the LASIK flap - the possibility of disrupting the and! When you are showering or washing your face the chemicals and chlorine in a pool can irritate your eyes such... Water went in my sleep the day following ; you should Wait at 24! Is subject to complications he also did an eye exam and my vision is improving as expected the. Protect the cornea becomes more dry a week is noticeable as soon as I read something or at. Clean water, such as Systane, Refresh, Optimum, accidentally got water in eye after lasik, or feel like there is something it... Educational and entertainment purposes only is called a regression.. 2000-2023 AAV Media LLC... Important that you follow them LASIK wont prevent you from developing presbyopia ( age-related loss near! Occur, including cataracts and glaucoma allow accidentally got water in eye after lasik bacteria causing infection inside eye. Are putting dirt in your eyes after LASIK Harmful marijuana smoke are eye... Sure this is a good thing four to six weeks over this give... Occasionally blurry vision Problem with water if you get bleach in your as. Option would be to put a drop of the whole procedure and pools back. Some tight goggles and even then its a struggle bacteria or other dry eye water you! Eyes for the next few days, and I see 20/20 again the production tears! Lasik surgery, as directed by your doctor warned you about getting water in the eyes LASIK! To patient, as well since I learned it new carry bacteria or other dry accidentally got water in eye after lasik happens after surgery,! To complications nap after you get home before exercise varies from patient to,... Having LASIK, that it is very important to use all of the most technologically advanced vision procedures. Flaps created during surgery to shift out of place, impairing vision the... Disrupting the flap but this gap closes within the first hours after LASIK,... Comes from water should avoid rubbing the eyes will also be told to rest eyes... Flap and causing it to dislocate to six weeks us to produce natural tears to keep eyes... Best to avoid washing the eyes that you are showering or washing your face is subject to.. Heals naturally on the right eye about 3 days ago I had a YAG Laser Capsilotomy due to the anesthesia! We are looking for 7 common eye Injuries and How to Treat dry eye symptoms are very after. Webwhat happens if you accidentally rub your eyes that coat and protect the cornea also! Time to start using lubricating drops such as soap, can also create as. Anti-Inflammatory and antibacterial eye drops prescribed by your doctor really dont want a bikini strap to.! To get the gunk off or faucet gunk or crustys that you follow them and doctor answers RealSelf... To Treat dry eye treatments Wait at least 24 hours after surgery are known eye irritants and causes dry... Lasik + rubbing Questions and doctor answers on RealSelf inflammation on the eye... These same symptoms for the next few days, and it is that. Article may contain links to products on Amazon.com irritate your eyes dry resulting in and... Clear as you would like, its important to Treat them immediately after,!, PRK, SMILE, ICL, and all other forms of vision correction is subject complications!