After laser eye surgery, you can look forward to a new, sharp visual experience – but the healing process takes time.
To ensure that everything runs smoothly and complications are avoided, there are some important rules of conduct that you should follow.
Did you know that there are at least 9 things you should never do immediately after treatment?
From rubbing your eyes to swimming and applying make-up – every little misstep can affect the success of your treatment.
In this article, you will find out exactly what you should avoid after laser eye surgery so that your eyes heal in the best possible way and you can soon enjoy your life without glasses or contact lenses!

9 things you should avoid in order not to jeopardize the healing process after the operation

1. rubbing the eyes

Avoid rubbing your eyes – this is one of the most important precautionary measures after laser eye surgery.
Rubbing the eyes can significantly disrupt the healing process, especially in the first few days after the procedure.
With methods such as LASIK, a so-called flap is formed in the cornea, which has to grow back.
If you rub your eyes, this flap could slip or shift, leading to serious complications such as a deterioration in visual acuity or a repeat operation. In addition, rubbing the eyes increases the risk of infection and inflammation, as germs or dirt can get into the freshly treated eye.
This not only jeopardizes the healing process, but also the long-term result of the laser treatment.
In order not to jeopardize the success of the correction of defective vision, you should therefore be careful not to touch your eyes and use eye drops regularly to moisten the cornea and support the healing process.

2. swimming and sauna

Swimming and saunas should be avoided at all costs after laser eye surgery, especially in the first few weeks after the operation.
The reason for this is that the water in swimming pools or lakes can contain germs and bacteria that could infect the newly treated eye and disrupt the healing process.
The hot, humid air in the sauna can also irritate the eyes and increase the risk of inflammation.
If you still want to get into the water, you should wait at least three to four weeks and then wear swimming goggles to prevent water from getting into your eyes.
When showering, make sure that no water or shampoo gets directly into your eyes.
It can be helpful to tilt your head back slightly or wear protective swimming goggles.
In the first few days after laser treatment, it is safest to only gently clean the area around the eyes with a damp cloth when showering to avoid possible irritation.

3. make-up & make-up

After laser eye surgery, it is important to avoid wearing make-up for at least the first two weeks.
Make-up products, especially mascara, eyeliner and eye shadow, can contain particles that can get into the eyes and irritate the cornea or even cause infections.
These foreign bodies could impairthe healing processand lead to inflammation, which could jeopardize the result of the laser treatment.
If you start using make-up again after this time, make sure you only use fresh and clean products.
It is particularly important to clean the eyes gently and not to use aggressive cleansers.

4. sports with a high risk of injury

After laser eye surgery, sports with an increased risk of injury should be avoided for several weeks, as they can endanger the cornea and the entire healing process.
Contact sports such as soccer, boxing, basketball or martial arts pose a particular risk, as they can result in blows or impacts to the eye.
This could displace the healing flap (in the LASIK method) or cause injury to the cornea, which could impair vision. Intense sports such as tennis or squash, where the ball can fly unpredictably, are also risky, as a blow to the eye can cause serious complications.
For the first few weeks after the operation, you should therefore switch to gentle activities such as walking or light yoga.
As soon as the doctor treating you has classified the eye as stable, you can slowly return to your usual sports – ideally with protective measures, such as special goggles for contact sports, to protect your eyes.

5. direct sunlight without protection

Too much UV radiation can disrupt the healing process and impair vision.
Here are some reasons why you should avoid direct sunlight and tips on how to protect your eyes:

• Increased sensitivity to light: After the procedure, the eyes react more sensitively to bright light, which can lead to sensitivity to glare and discomfort.
• Delayed healing process: UV radiation can irritate the cornea and have a negative effect on the healing process.
• Increased risk of long-term damage: Unfiltered sunlight can cause long-term damage to the eye, especially to sensitive eyes after laser treatment.

Tips for protection from the sun:

• Wear sunglasses: Wear high-quality sunglasses with UV protection whenever you are outdoors to protect your eyes from harmful radiation.
• Avoid direct sunlight: You should avoid direct sunlight, especially in the first few days and weeks after the operation, especially at midday.
• Wear a hat or cap: A hat with a wide brim offers additional protection from the sun.

6. dusty and dirty environments

Dust and dirt particles can act as foreign bodies that can lead to infection or inflammation and affect the outcome of the laser treatment.
Here are some reasons and tips on how to protect your eyes in such environments:

• Irritation of the cornea: Dust and dirt can irritate the sensitive cornea after surgery and cause a foreign body sensation.
• Increased risk of infection: Dirt particles can trigger infections that delay the healing process.
• Dry eyes: Dusty environments promote dry eyes, which makes the use of artificial tears necessary.

Tips for protection against dust:

• Avoid dusty places: If possible, stay away from building sites, workshops or other dirty environments for the first few weeks after the operation.
• Wear safety goggles: If working in such areas is unavoidable, wear safety goggles to protect your eyes.
• Use eye drops regularly: Use your eye drops regularly to keep your eyes moisturized and prevent irritation.

7. screen work and reading

Concentrating on the screen or books can cause the eyes to dry out more quickly and become tired, which could impair the healing process.
Make sure you take regular breaks and moisturize your eyes with artificial tears to support the healing process and stabilize your vision.

8. driving a car

After
After laser eye surgery, you should refrain from driving for the first few days until your vision is stable and has been cleared by your ophthalmologist.
Immediately after the procedure, you may experience sensitivity to glare, fluctuating visual acuity anda feeling of dry or irritated eyes, which can impair safe driving.
Wait until your vision is fully restored and there are no more restrictions.

9. discontinue eye drops or medication

The unauthorized discontinuation of eye drops or other prescribed medication after laser eye surgery shouldbe avoided at all costs.
These medications are crucial for the healing process as they prevent infections, keep the cornea moist and relieve inflammation.
Premature discontinuation without medical advice can lead to complications such as inflammation or prolonged healing.
Follow your ophthalmologist‘s plan exactly to ensure the best possible result from laser treatment.

The perfect day after surgery: planning for successful treatment

The day after the laser eye treatment plays a decisive role in the long-term success of the treatment.
Good planning helps to promote healing and avoid complications.

Arrival and departure for laser eye treatment:

As you are not allowed to drive yourself after the procedure, you should organize your arrival and departure well.
It is advisable to be picked up by a companion or to use local public transport.
Your eyes may be sensitive to light after the operation , so it is important to wear sunglasses to protect them from intense sunlight.

Vacation and relaxation time:

Plan at least a few days off after laser eye surgery.
You should allow yourself to rest for the first few days and avoid strenuous activities.
Avoid screen work and long periods of reading so as not to strain your eyes.

Rest and protective measures after laser vision correction:

Immediately after laser treatment, it is crucial not to rub or touch your eyes to avoid disrupting the healing process.
Stay in a clean environment to minimize the risk of infection.
Take your eye drops as directed by your doctor and give your eyes regular breaks.
Wear goggles or sunglasses, especially outdoors, to protect your eyes from light and foreign objects.
These measures and careful planning will optimally support the healing process and you can look forward to clear vision in the coming days.