How Long Before I Can Go Skiing After LASIK Surgery

Skiing is a healthy, fun activity; and having LASIK surgery is a fantastic way to enjoy your ski trip without the worry of having to wear prescription lenses.  However, if you are planning to have LASIK in the near future, you may wonder how long will recovering from the procedure be, and if it will interfere with your favorite sport.  Some information about LASIK surgery can help you make the right plans.

What Is LASIK Surgery & Why Is It So Popular?

LASIK surgery is laser eye surgery.  It is used to correct a number of vision problems.  The most common eye problems associated with this procedure are astigmatism, hyperopia, and myopia.  Successful LASIK surgery results in clear vision.

One reason for its popularity is it eliminates the need for corrective lenses.  After you have the surgery, you will no longer need contact lenses or eyeglasses.  Many individuals feel they look better without corrective eye wear; while others prefer LASIK surgery because corrective lenses interfere with their lifestyles.

A second reason is that LASIK results are permanent.  After you have your surgical procedure, you will not need to have it again.  Surgery can be more convenient and more economical than replacing eyeglasses or contact lenses on a regular basis.

Third, the convenience extends to your everyday lifestyle.  Corrective eye wear must be cleaned regularly, can become lost, and can break.  You will have none of these problems when you choose LASIK surgery.

LASIK Surgery Procedure

Prior to surgery, you will receive an examination to determine if the procedure is right for you.  The ophthalmologist will examine your corneas to make sure you do not have additional eye problems.  The exam also helps him or her determine how much tissue must be removed, and where it is located.

Your surgeon will advise you to not wear contact lenses for a specific period of time before the surgery is scheduled.

You will be given an antibiotic, and possibly an oral sedative.  Before LASIK surgery, you will be given anesthetic eye drops.

From start to finish, the LASIK procedure will take approximately fifteen minutes.  A flap will be created, and the laser will be used on your cornea.  After this part of the process has been completed, the flap will be replaced.  Although you will be awake during your procedure, there is no pain involved in LASIK surgery.

Healing After LASIK Surgery

Most people do not experience pain after a procedure.  You may have minor discomfort for the first day or two.  Proper healing requires you to follow your doctor’s instructions.

You will be given ointment or eye drops after the surgery.  These products are used to reduce the risk of inflammation and infection.  You will also be given a prescription for a product that moisturizes your eyes.  Your doctor will let you know how often to use these products, and how long you should use them.

There is very little you need to do to heal from LASIK.  You should take time to rest after the surgery, but you will see results immediately.  Your vision will be clearer, and it will continue to improve.

There are few precautions during the healing period.  You should avoid rubbing your eyes, and wear dark glasses or protective goggles.  You can resume most of your regular activities the day after surgery.  You can drive when your vision is clear enough.

Women who have LASIK surgery should avoid wearing cosmetics for approximately one week.  To reduce the risk of infection, purchase a new set of cosmetics.  Old makeup contains bacteria that can harm your eyes.

Risks Associated With LASIK Surgery

There are risks involved in all types of surgery.  Although risks can be reduced by choosing a good doctor and following his instructions, you should still consider the risks before you decide to have the procedure.

The most common risk is infection.  While the risk is very small, there is a possibility of vision loss if you develop an infection.

Some patients experience unusual symptoms after surgery.  There can be slight visual impairments, or you may see bright lights, starbursts, or halos.  Less than 5% of LASIK patients experience these complications.

There can be a variety of eye issues that require further treatment.  However, the most common issue is dry eye.  This can easily be corrected with eye drops.

Complications can occur during or after LASIK surgery.  You can significantly reduce your risk by following your doctor’s instructions.

When Can You Go Skiing?

Skiing is an activity that involves a number of different factors.  First, there can be harmful effects from snow, or cold winds, getting into your eyes, and the risk of an accident is another factor.  Second, there is often a bright glare from sunlight when you ski.  Third, your eyes can become drier when you ski.

Fortunately, these factors do not have to keep you off the ski slopes.  After resting for a day or two; and most importantly, taking the advice of your surgeon, you can participate in your sport as recommended.

When you ski, make a point of wearing protective goggles that are impact-resistant.  They will protect your eyes from snow, direct sunlight, wind, and cold temperatures.  It will also be helpful to have eye drops handy to keep your eyes moist and well oxygenated after LASIK surgery. Your eyes will stay comfortable and healthy while you are having fun.

LASIK Surgery Recovery Time

One of the best parts of LASIK is recovery time is brief and rarely complicated.  You can resume your usual activities a day or two after your procedure.  You do need to return to your doctor for a follow-up examination, however.

Your vision should be clear and better than ever before the day after surgery.  It can take a month or two for your eyesight to completely stabilize.

Sensible precautions, such as wearing goggles during activities, not rubbing your eyes, and using the eye drops, will help your recovery.  Recovery will be faster and more effective.

There are numerous reasons to consider LASIK, but it is a decision you must make for yourself.  Discuss it with your eye doctor, and ask if you are a good candidate.  He or she can help you schedule an appointment with an ophthalmologist.

Your eyesight is important to you.  Excellent vision makes life so much better, especially if you have an active lifestyle.  After you have considered the risks and benefits, you can have LASIK surgery.  Within days, you can be out on the ski slopes having a good time. Call us today for a consultation.

2017-02-03T12:19:56-06:00February 12th, 2016|Eye News|