The Complete Guide What to Eat and Avoid After a Lasik Surgery
Maintaining a healthy diet after LASIK is important for quick recovery and ensures a successful eye-healing process. Here, we will discuss which foods to eat and which to avoid in order to support fast and stress-free recovery.
Foods To Eat After LASIK
Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Eat foods rich in omega-3s, such as salmon, tuna, flaxseeds, and chia seeds, which are highly beneficial for eye health. These necessary fats help with a quicker recovery by reducing dryness and pain in the eyes.
Green Vegetables – Spinach, kale, and other leafy greens are excellent sources of lutein and zeaxanthin. These antioxidants can protect your eyes from harmful UV rays and help you see better
Citrus Fruits – Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits are high in vitamin C, which is required for maintaining healthy blood circulation in the eyes as well as lowering the risk of eye infections.
Carrots – Carrots are famous for their vision-boosting effects because of their high beta-carotene level. Beta-carotene converts to vitamin A in the body, which helps with night vision and overall eye health.
Eggs – Eggs are high in minerals such as zinc, lutein, and vitamin E, which are important for eye health and post-surgery recovery. They also provide lots of protein and nutrients which can help recover after Lasik surgery.
Dairy Products – Dairy foods like milk, yogurt, and cheese provide essential nutrients like vitamin A, calcium, and protein, which are important for eye health.
Bell Peppers – These colorful vegetables are high in vitamin C, which can help protect the eyes from oxidative stress and help with recovery.
Foods To Avoid After LASIK
Spicy Foods – Spicy foods can cause eye irritation and pain during healing. Avoid foods with a lot of spices.
Salty Foods – High salt intake can cause dehydration and swelling, which may negatively impact the recovery of your eyes.
Foods High in Sugar – High sugar consumption might induce blood sugar changes, possibly damaging your vision throughout the recovery period.
Junk Foods – Junk foods are high in unhealthy fats, sugars, and sodium, as they can dehydrate you quickly so it is better to avoid them during your LASIK recovery
LASIK Aftercare Do’s and Don’ts
After LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) eye surgery, proper aftercare is important for recovery. Here are some do’s and don’ts for LASIK aftercare.
| Sr. No | Lasik Aftercare | Do’s | Don’ts |
| 1 | Medication | Use the eye drops as your doctor advises | Do not rub your eyes even if they itch |
| Wash your hands before applying eye drops | Do not skip any prescribed medication | ||
| 2 | Eye Protection | Wear sunglasses while going outside to protect the eyes from UV rays(Sunlight) | Avoid swimming and taking hot baths for a few weeks |
| Use protective glasses during any physical activity | Avoid traveling in dusty or in smoky environments. | ||
| Avoid washing your hair for a few days | |||
| 3 | Cleaning | Follow your eye doctor’s instructions for cleaning and hygiene | Avoid using tap water to clean your eyes or face after Lasik |
| Do not use alcohol-based or cosmetic products for a few weeks | |||
| 4 | Rest | Get plenty of rest and sleep | Avoid spending too much time on mobile or laptop during the initial recovery period |
| 5 | Follow-up appointments | Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments. | Do not miss any post-operative check-ups or consultations. |
| 6 | Hydration(Water) | Stay well-hydrated to improve recovery and reduce dry eyes. | Avoid drinking caffeine or alcohol because they can dehydrate you |
| 7 | Diet | Maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals. | Avoid warm and spicy prepared meals, which might cause eye irritation. |
The Importance of Hydration in the Recovery Phase After Lasik Surgery
Hydration is important during the recovery period after Lasik surgery. Sufficient Water intake helps in removing toxins from the body, maintaining normal moisture levels in the eyes, and supporting the overall healing process. The eyes can feel dry and irritating after surgery, making hydration even more important. Drinking enough water keeps the eyes moist and pleasant, lowering the risk of problems and ensuring a quick recovery. Proper hydration also helps prevent dry eye disease and common post-surgery ailments. Patients can help their eyes’ recovery process after Lasik surgery by consuming enough water.
Conclusion
A successful Lasik surgery not only depends on the skills of your surgeon but also on your post-surgery food choices. You can improve the chances of successful treatment and quick recovery by following the detailed instructions on what to eat and what to avoid after Lasik surgery. Always give priority to your eye health by consulting with the eye doctor for specific dietary guidance.
FAQs
How soon can I start eating normally after LASIK surgery?
You can resume your regular diet shortly after LASIK, but it’s best to stick to the recommended foods for a quicker recovery.
How long should I avoid spicy foods after LASIK?
It is best to avoid spicy foods for at least one or two weeks after the surgery or until your eyes have recovered completely.
What should I do if I get eye pain after eating specific foods?
If you experience pain or irritation after eating specific foods avoid them during the recovery period. If the pain continues or increases, contact your eye surgeon immediately for guidance and examination.
Can I drive after LASIK surgery?
You should not drive immediately after LASIK surgery because your vision can be temporarily blurry. Your eye surgeon will advise you on when it’s safe to resume driving based on your recovery progress.
What should I do after getting discharged from Lasik surgery?
Go home safely after getting discharged from LASIK surgery and get enough sleep to rest your eyes. Importantly, avoid any activity on the day of the surgery.
Can I watch TV or use the computer after Lasik’s surgery?
It is better to limit screen time in the first few days after Lasik surgery to avoid pressure on your eyes. You can slowly resume screen use Once your eyes have fully recovered.
How long does it take to see clear vision after Lasik surgery?
The time it takes to get a clear vision depends on the individual people. Some people can notice improvement in just a few days, but other individuals may take a few weeks to get the best benefits.
Can I exercise after LASIK surgery?
Light exercises like walking are generally fine after a few days. for at least a week, you should avoid hard exercises and physical activities that may cause eye pain.
When can I resume using smartphones and computers after Lasik surgery?
You can use electronic devices shortly (after 24 hours of Lasik surgery day), but remember to take regular breaks after every 10 to 15 minutes.
Is it normal to experience itching and dry eyes after the procedure?
Yes, experiencing itching and dryness in the eyes is normal during the recovery period. Using suggested eye drops and avoiding rubbing the eyes can help reduce these symptoms.
