Reducing the Risk of Infection After LASIK
Here at Atlantic Laser Vision Center, we always strive to provide the best vision care possible to patients in the Monmouth County region. That’s why we offer state-of-the-art LASIK surgery that safely restores and enhances vision. In all procedures, patients can do their part in ensuring a success surgery. With that in mind, let’s look at some ways that infection after laser eye surgery can be prevented.
Is infection likely after undergoing LASIK surgery?
Thankfully infection risks after LASIK are generally low so long as patients follow all of their instructions for post-operative care. All precautions need to be taken, especially in the first week or so after surgery, in order to prevent potential complications with healing and wellness.
The basic info below covers the main ways that infections are prevented. More detailed instructions will be provided during the consultation process.
Wear Your LASIK Goggles as Directed
LASIK goggles are provided to patients in order to prevent incidental contact with the eyes as well as matter getting into the eyes as patients heal. These goggles should be worn as directed. In general, that means all day and all night for the first day or so after surgery, and during sleep for a few days after that.
Avoid Rubbing or Touching Your Eyes
Even though your eyes will feel itchy and irritated for a few days after LASIK, it is of the utmost importance that you avoid touching or rubbing your eyes after surgery. This will prevent infection and also help you avoid issues with flap complications. If your eyes feel itchy, be sure to use lubricating eye drops in order to ease the discomfort instead.
Stay Away from Pools and Hot Tubs
Swimming pools and hot tubs are major sources of bacteria, which makes them very dangerous for people who have undergone eye surgery. Even if you wear goggles around the water, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Stay away from pools and hot tubs until your surgeon says it’s okay.
Attend Follow-Up Visits as Instructed
Multiple follow-up visits are scheduled with LASIK patients to ensure that they are healing properly. Be sure to attend all of these visits as scheduled in order for any issues with infection or healing to be addressed in a timely fashion. Patients are also invited to contact their LASIK surgeon between follow-ups if they have any urgent or pressing concerns with regard to their healing experience.
How LASIK Technology Reduces Potential Infection Risk for Patients
Advances in LASIK technology have led to a safe procedure that’s free from human error and potential for infection. The biggest advance in this regard is the advent of all-laser LASIK. Rather than using a physical tool to create a flap in the cornea, a safe surgical laser is used. This means one less source of potential infection while the procedure is being performed and a more efficient procedure overall.
Contact Atlantic Laser Vision Center
For more information about laser vision correction options and how new technology makes surgical procedures even safer than ever before, we encourage you to contact our advanced LASIK surgery and eye care center today. The team at Atlantic Laser Vision Center looks forward to your visit and helping you with your eye care needs.