Guidelines on Travel After LASIK
The healing period after LASIK surgery at the Yaldo Eye Center is usually very quick. However, patients often have doubts about how soon they can resume travel activities. In this article, we will cover all the dos and don’ts of travel after Lasik.
Driving after LASIK Eye Surgery
Driving after lasik eye surgery is not recommended. You must bear in mind that after undergoing LASIK surgery you will not be able to drive back home, that is why it is recommended that the patient goes to the surgery with a companion. Often eye surgeons prescribe a mild sedative, such as Valium, which should be taken before surgery to help patients stay relaxed during the procedure. The effect of the medication takes several hours to disappear, therefore the perception and reaction of patients will be affected during that time. In addition, after the surgery, the patient’s vision will be blurred due to the lubricating drops applied immediately after the procedure. Because of these two factors, it is important for patients to arrange for someone to drive them home following the procedure.
After the LASIK procedure, patients may experience dry eye symptoms during the healing and recovery process. The Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Mississippi Medical Center reports that the eye is more vulnerable to drying environments in the six months after LASIK surgery. Dry eyes can make vision blurry during the first days of the healing process. The use of artificial tears is very useful to relieve the symptoms of dry eye. Some patients, particularly those in dry climates and air-conditioned environments, may choose to apply drops every few hours for a week or two after Michigan laser eye surgery. It is not recommended to drive after lasik eye surgery.
In the first 24 hours after your surgery, most patients experience a significant improvement in their vision, approximately 20/40 or better. The vision then continues to improve gradually over the next few weeks. Usually, the surgeon schedules a postoperative checkup the day after LASIK surgery. Most patients feel comfortable enough with their vision to go to their appointment.
Some patients may experience sensitivity to light and choose to delay driving for a day or two. The use of sunglasses is recommended to minimize exposure to intense sunlight, especially the week after surgery.
Flying after LASIK Eye Surgery
Flying after lasik eye surgery is very common. Most patients with LASIK are allowed to fly during their next-day follow-up appointment. This is good news for patients who traveled outside their city to perform this procedure, as well as for those who travel frequently for work or pleasure reasons.
The eye is not affected by the pressurization of the altitude in the cockpit of an airplane differently after laser eye surgery. However, because the cabins of the aircraft have low humidity, the patient is usually more prone to suffer symptoms of dry eye during the flight. Therefore, when traveling on an airplane, use lubricant drops more frequently to combat the dryness caused by air conditioning. Also, if you have dry eyes while on an airplane, closing your eyes during the flight and limiting participation in activities that involve staring (working on a computer or reading) can help you reduce symptoms. It is important to avoid rubbing the eyes or having dust in the eyes. Good hydration is always important, drink extra water when your flies can be very beneficial. This can help when you get Detroit lasik eye surgery at our clinic.
Patients should avoid any kind of trauma to the eye after undergoing LASIK. It is for this reason that ophthalmologists recommend avoiding the practice of contact sports for a month and pools and hot tubs for two months after laser eye surgery. If you are traveling to a vacation destination that involves high levels of athletic activity or swimming, plan the time of surgery and holidays accordingly. Sports eye protection and the use of sunglasses regardless of the season are essential. These reasons make it okay for flying after lasik eye surgery.
Traveling for work after Lasik
Most patients who undergo LASIK Michigan can rejoin their work activities within a day or two after their LASIK surgery. During the first few days, you may want to plan to take short breaks to rest your eyes. If your profession makes scheduling breaks more challenging, like truck drivers, firefighters, and pilots, talk to your doctor about when to return to work. Pilots, for example, may not plan to take breaks due to the need for visual guidelines. In fact, the vision provides pilots with approximately 80 percent of all flight information, including air traffic, risks and printed materials, such as flight documents and cockpit instruments.
LASIK eye surgery Michigan has little impact on travel plans, however, you should take certain precautions to avoid the appearance of bothersome symptoms after surgery. After the procedure, patients can resume their normal activities in a short period of time and, at the same time, enjoy more fully an active lifestyle.
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