Getting LASIK eye surgery is a thrilling experience towards the glasses-free world. With any surgical procedure, however, there are certain aftercare instructions that are designed to promote healing as well as provide the optimal outcome. Among patients’ most common questions is the issue of safety in viewing TV after LASIK.
Immediate Post-Op Restrictions After LASIK
LASIK eye surgery really does reshape your cornea in order to improve your vision, but it keeps your eye wide open during healing. So there are a couple of restrictions immediately after the operation, and they are very essential to your healing. One of the primary recommendations is to forego anything which will strain your eyes or be drying.
Your eyes are going to become light-sensitive, gritty, and painful shortly following LASIK. This is to be expected and normal. During this initial healing phase—usually the first 24 to 48 hours—the best thing to do is to avoid screen time completely, whether that is watching television, playing with a cell phone, or working on the computer. Why? Extended screen time lowers the blink rate, which in turn raises the risk of dry eyes—a common side effect of LASIK. Giving your eyes plenty of rest during this time will do much to aid the healing process.
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TV Watching and Screen Time Guidelines After LASIK
Once you’ve weathered the first 24- to 48-hour window, screen time can be returned slowly—under some conditions. The majority of doctors recommend restricting screen time at first, with frequent breaks to allow your eyes to rest. TV watching in a controlled environment—a dark room with minimal more than moderate glare and at a comfortable distance—is generally safe if you take these precautions.
To minimize strain, be sure to use lubricating eye drops as recommended by your surgeon. This will offset any dryness due to extended periods of reduced blinking. Also, adhering to the 20-20-20 rule (looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes) can reduce strain due to TV watching and other screen activity.
It is also best to avoid “binge-watching” the first week post-op. Long hours of screen time dry out and fatigue eyes, and can even hinder healing. Simply watch moderately and take plenty of breaks for your eyes.
Warning Signs to Watch Out For and When to See Your Doctor
After LASIK from professionals such as IQ Laser Vision, mild symptoms such as dry eye, light sensitivity, and blurred vision are common; they typically resolve within weeks or days. There are however certain warning signals that should be reported to your eye surgeon immediately. If your pain persists, is very severe, or in case of loss of vision, do not waste time contacting your doctor. And if watching TV or using computer always leads to eye strain, this should be reported to your surgeon so that nothing goes wrong.
Keep in mind that each patient’s healing process is different. Following your physician’s instructions and listening to your body can make your recovery easier and smoother.
Takeaway
While it may be tempting to relax in front of the TV right after LASIK, allowing your eyes time to rest is key in those first 24 to 48 hours. After that, short and monitored viewing sessions can be safely incorporated into your routine. By following these guidelines and prioritizing your eye health, you’ll maximize the results of your LASIK procedure and enjoy your newfound clear vision without setbacks.
If you’re not sure what your own post-LASIK care schedule is, always ask your specialist—they have the best tips for your recovery. Give your eyes the TLC they need, and you’ll be back to all the screen time you can handle in a flash!
