How Long After Lasik Can I Drive (And Why)?

How Long After Lasik Can I Drive (And Why)?

Exact Answer: After 2 to 3 days

In layman’s terms referred to as Laser eye surgery or laser vision correction, is known as Lasik. This surgery is performed by the ophthalmologist, using a laser or microkeratome to revise the eye’s cornea. This will help to improvise visual acuity. Lasik surgery is a type of refractive surgery. It is performed to correct myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism-like diseases.

To avoid this surgery some people also take eyeglasses or contact lenses as an alternative to surgery. But once this surgery is performed, some amount of neutral rest is a must for any patient. And nothing, which creates pressure on the eye is restricted. Hence, one must take a rest for at least 2 to 3 days.

How Long After Lasik Can I Drive

How Long After Lasik Can I Drive?

Time Taken For The Surgery10 to 15 minutes
Rest Needed After Surgery2 to 3 days
Avoiding Screen and Phones24 hours

Driving is a little more focusing work. One’s eye must be clear and healthy to keep the driving safe. And after Lasik eye surgery, it is not recommended for at least 3 days to drive. Driving just after the surgery may create some dilemma in the eye and the glare initially. Doctors normally advise taking some ample amount of rest for a couple of days, before again returning to normal life. The surgery procedure is technically flawless. Still, it is asked not to drive in the night at least. Due to bad lights or the night headlights from the opposite vehicles, this decision is important.

After the surgery, a post-op exam is performed by the doctors before regaining the normal life. However, the amount of time one must wait before driving may vary from person to person. Some people with great eye structure may get recommended to start their previous life just a few hours after the surgery, whereas some are instructed to wait for a couple of days. So, the time limit also varies with different people.

Lasik

With restrictions to driving, some doctors also instruct to avoid applying mascara and make-ups for 7 days, after the surgery. Swimming in hot tubs and gardening are also restricted for the following week. Although this eye surgery is mostly applicable for everyone, still some people are not suitable. People with a higher level of myopia or having higher hyperopia are not considered suitable for laser eye surgery. However, who may be the person, but after surgery, it is a must to take rest for at least a couple of days.

Why Can I Drive So Long After Lasik?

One of the sensitive parts of our human body is the eye. It gets affected very easily and it must be taken care of. Hence, when a laser eye surgery, like Lasik, is performed we must give the needed amount of time for the eye to take a rest. A little fickleness or rubbing the eye while feeling uncomfortable may create irritation and redness in the cornea. To avoid all these sunglasses are must at least for the first week. Considering the problem, it is also better if one continues wearing sunglasses post Lasik surgery.

It is important to not drive for at least a couple of days after Lasik, because it may end up bringing lot more complications. Although most patients feel free enough to drive after the surgery, later they feel soreness in their eyes. This may also land up making the vision blurry, which followingly end up making the drive unsafe and unstable.

For fast recovery after the Lasik surgery, one must have regular check-ups, resulting in regular medication. Eye drops must be taken in a fixed gap of time. No sport or eye pressure work must be followed on. The patient must not be allowed to look into harsh light and dim light is highly recommended.

Drive

With all these some precautions like, wearing eye masks and exposing your eye to water are some steps that can fasten up the recovery process after laser eye surgery. Rubbing eyes with dirty hands is also a bad reason to get a negative effect after the surgery. Therefore, these are the reasons why it takes this long to drive after Lasik surgery and how the process can be fastened.

Conclusion

As the most sensitive part of the body is getting recovered, therefore starting to drink alcohol suddenly after the Lasik surgery is never appreciated. Looking at the screens including TV, smartphone, computer, tablet, etc., is prohibited for at least 24 hours. After the completion of this initial resting period, one can slowly start up his previous timetable.

Although this surgery may seem a little complex, it is a very fast procedure. It hardly lasts for five to ten minutes and basically, it is painless. As the laser which performs surgery is backed and guided by the computer, the outcomes are very precise and the results are mostly accurate. This is all about laser eye surgery, known as Lasik.

Reference

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/pmc4744299/
  2. https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?id=GALE%7CA176375350&sid=googleScholar&v=2.1&it=r&linkaccess=abs&issn=1930160X&p=AONE&sw=w
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25 Comments

  1. The precautions and guidance provided in the article are essential for patients undergoing Lasik surgery. It’s a valuable source of information.

    1. I agree, the comprehensive details about the recovery process contribute to a better understanding for patients.

  2. The detailed instructions and explanations in this article help alleviate any potential concerns about the recovery period post-Lasik surgery. It’s very reassuring.

    1. The emphasis on caution and patience during recovery is crucial, and this article conveys that message effectively.

  3. The information about the recovery period and the precautions after Lasik surgery is conveyed with clarity, which is very helpful for patients.

    1. It’s important for patients to understand the significance of post-surgery care, and this article effectively conveys that message.

  4. The article provides a thorough explanation of the recovery timeline and the precautions necessary after Lasik surgery.

  5. This article effectively addresses the concerns and precautions necessary after Lasik surgery. The detailed information contributes to a better understanding for patients.

    1. The focus on patient recovery and safety in this article is comprehensive and beneficial for those considering or recovering from Lasik surgery.

    2. The article provides detailed insights into the recovery process, and the emphasis on patient care is evident and commendable.

  6. This article provides a comprehensive and detailed explanation of the restrictions and recovery process following Lasik surgery. I appreciate the emphasis on patient recovery and eye care.

    1. It’s comforting to know that there are guidelines for post-surgery care and recovery. The information is very informative.

  7. I appreciate the level of detail and clarity in explaining why driving is restricted after Lasik surgery, and the emphasis on patient care is commendable.

    1. This article effectively addresses the need for patience and care in the post-surgery period, which is crucial for recovery.

  8. The information about post-Lasik care and recovery is invaluable. It’s important for individuals considering this surgery to be well-informed.

    1. Indeed, being well-informed about the recovery process contributes significantly to successful outcomes.

  9. The article provides valuable insights into the recovery process after Lasik surgery. It’s clear and informative, which is important for patients.

    1. I agree, the detailed explanations about post-surgery care are beneficial for those considering or recovering from Lasik surgery.

  10. The article provides a well-rounded understanding of the recovery period and the precautions after Lasik surgery. The information is very beneficial.

    1. The emphasis on patient care and safety throughout the recovery process is noteworthy and informative.

    2. Indeed, the detailed explanations are beneficial for individuals preparing for or recovering from Lasik surgery.

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