After undergoing LASIK surgery, it’s natural to want to resume daily activities and get back to normal as soon as possible. However, there are some precautions to take in the days following the procedure. One of the most important instructions from your doctor is to avoid rubbing your eyes, as it could interfere with the healing process. But what exactly happens if you accidentally rub your eye after LASIK?
Rubbing Your Eye After LASIK
When you rub your eye too soon after LASIK, there are a few risks involved that can impact the healing of your corneal flap. After LASIK surgery, a thin layer of your cornea is lifted temporarily and reshaped with a laser. Although this layer is sealed back in place, it takes time to heal. Rubbing your eye can put pressure on the flap, leading to a potential misalignment or displacement, which could compromise the outcome of the surgery.
While this is rare, it’s not something you want to ignore. If the flap moves out of place, you may need additional medical attention to reposition it. This would delay the healing process and could require another visit to your doctor. It’s always better to be cautious and avoid any unnecessary risks that might jeopardize your recovery.
How to Prevent Accidental Rubbing?
During the early days of recovery, your eyes will feel sensitive. This is normal, and the urge to rub them may be stronger than usual, especially when they itch. It’s essential to resist this instinct. To avoid accidentally rubbing your eyes, follow these tips:
- Use Protective Eyewear: Your doctor may recommend wearing protective goggles or an eye shield at night for the first week. This will prevent any inadvertent rubbing while you sleep.
- Keep Your Hands Clean: When you touch your face or eyes, make sure your hands are clean to reduce the risk of infection.
- Apply Lubricating Eye Drops: Using prescribed lubricating drops can keep your eyes comfortable and help prevent itching, dryness, and irritation.
- Avoid Rubbing During Recovery: Try to keep your hands away from your face in the first few weeks. It’s tempting, but it’s worth avoiding rubbing to ensure your eyes heal properly.
What Should You Do If You Accidentally Rub Your Eye?
If you accidentally rub your eye after LASIK, don’t panic. Although it’s not ideal, the flap is designed to heal back into position on its own. However, you should contact your doctor immediately to discuss what happened. They will assess the situation and may ask you to come in for a follow-up exam to make sure everything is healing correctly.
It’s always better to check in with your doctor rather than wait and risk complications. They can give you guidance on the next steps and let you know if there’s any action you need to take. In most cases, if the flap stays in place, your eye will heal as expected.
Why Avoiding Rubbing Your Eyes Is Crucial
The healing process after LASIK is delicate. During the first few days, your corneal flap is still bonding with the eye tissue. Rubbing can disrupt this process, leading to potential problems. By following your doctor’s post-operative care instructions and avoiding touching your eyes, you give your eyes the best chance for a smooth and speedy recovery.
If the flap shifts out of place or doesn’t adhere properly, it could lead to blurred vision or other complications. Although such issues are uncommon, the risk is something you can avoid with a little extra caution.
When to Contact Your Doctor?
While rubbing your eye by accident isn’t ideal, certain symptoms would require immediate medical attention:
- Severe discomfort: If your eye feels unusually painful after rubbing it, it could indicate that something has disrupted the healing process.
- Blurred vision: If you notice a change in your vision after rubbing your eye, especially a sudden shift to blurriness, contact your doctor right away.
- Redness or irritation: If your eye becomes excessively red or irritated, it’s best to reach out to your doctor to ensure there’s no infection or damage.
It’s always safer to err on the side of caution when it comes to your eyes. Early detection and intervention can prevent further complications.
How Long Do You Need to Be Cautious?
The first few days to a week are the most critical when it comes to avoiding rubbing your eyes after LASIK. After that, the healing process continues, but the risk of displacing the flap significantly decreases. However, you should continue to follow your doctor’s instructions regarding post-operative care and avoid rubbing or pressing on your eyes for several weeks until fully healed.
In general, it’s good practice to be mindful of your eye care for at least the first month after LASIK. During this period, your eyes are still adjusting to their new shape, and they may be more sensitive to pressure or irritation.
Other Tips for a Smooth Recovery
While avoiding rubbing your eyes is a major step, there are other things you can do to support your recovery after LASIK:
- Stay away from pools, hot tubs, and dusty environments: Keeping your eyes protected from irritants will help prevent unnecessary stress on your healing eyes.
- Avoid eye makeup for a short period: Until your eyes are fully healed, it’s best to skip makeup around the eyes to prevent any contamination.
- Rest your eyes: Give your eyes time to heal by taking breaks from screens and bright lights when possible.
Will Accidental Rubbing Affect Your LASIK Results?
If the flap remains in place and there’s no infection or major disruption to the healing process, accidental rubbing will not significantly affect the outcome of your LASIK surgery. It’s important to follow all post-surgery care guidelines, but a single moment of accidental rubbing usually won’t change the overall success of your LASIK treatment.
However, to give your eyes the best possible chance of healing, it’s always wise to minimize any chance of rubbing, pressing, or putting unnecessary strain on them during recovery. In rare cases, if there’s a shift in the flap or another issue, your doctor may recommend additional care or procedures to ensure your vision is restored.
Ready to Take the Next Step Toward Clearer Vision?
If you have any questions about LASIK or need guidance on the best way to care for your eyes after the procedure, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team at SuraVision is here to help you navigate your recovery and ensure the best possible results for your vision.
Ready to take the next step toward a clearer vision? Schedule a consultation with SuraVision today to discuss your options and learn more about the LASIK process. Call us at 713-730-2020 or book your appointment online!