8 dos and don’ts for your post-LASIK vacation

Your vision is great after your CEENTA LASIK surgery. The timing was great, too, since you’re about to leave on vacation. But should you be worried about traveling right after LASIK? Here are eight things you should know before putting up your away message at work.

Driving: You should have no problem driving after a day or two of recovery following laser eye surgery. You can wear sunglasses if you are experiencing light sensitivity, since wearing sunglasses in general after LASIK is a good idea.

Flying: Flying is usually safe, since your eyes aren’t affected by air pressurization any more after the surgery than before. However, the air in plane cabins is usually drier than on the ground, so you’ll want to make sure you carrying lubricating drops with you and use them regularly. It’s also a good idea to sleep, listen to music, or do other activities that don’t require you to keep your eyes open.

Makeup: Sorry, but doctors do not recommend wearing eye makeup after LASIK, so leave your cosmetics kit at home.

Showering: You can shower and shampoo the day after surgery, so you can wash up after a busy day of sightseeing.

Skiing: Wait at least 10 days after LASIK to go skiing, because low oxygen levels at high altitudes can cause your corneas to swell. Also, take eye drops with you to lubricate your eyes.

Sleeping: When you’re back at your hotel after a long day of fun, make sure to wear eye shields when you go to bed. These will protect your eyes while they heal during that first week after laser eye surgery.

Sunglasses: It’s always a good idea to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV rays and foreign particles. Sunglasses are just as effective in the winter as the summer. A day on the snow can cause just as much UV exposure as a summer day on the lake. UV rays can also reverse the effects of LASIK, so you should avoid tanning or other activities where you spend a lot of time in the sun.

Swimming: It’s a good idea to avoid water activities for at least a week after LASIK, if not longer. You might want to wear goggles to protect your eyes from chlorine. You can do low-intensity water sports, such as snorkeling, about two weeks after LASIK. You’ll definitely want to wear goggles to protect your eyes then, too. Also, natural bodies of water can house a lot of bacteria, so it’s a good idea to avoid these infection-causing areas. No matter what body of water you’re in, you do not want to open your eyes underwater for three weeks.

CEENTA Ophthalmologists William Hammonds, MD, is a  trusted fellowship-trained and board-certified LASIK surgeon who has provided premier care to thousands of patients in the Charlotte area for years. He is ready to give you the best care possible.

With your new vision you’ll be able to see everything on your trip, and following these steps will help you make only good memories.

This blog is for informational purposes only. For specific medical questions, please consult your physician.