Ever wonder what kinds of Thanksgiving Day foods you can LOOK forward to enjoying after having LASIK eye surgery? Since it’s important to plan early for LASIK, and gather all the facts beforehand, as the Holiday Season approaches, many people wonder how much of it they can enjoy after having the procedure done. However, there are 3 things that won’t require much planning, they are- knowing how to recover after LASIK, knowing which foods you can enjoy for Thanksgiving dinner, and which ones you should avoid eating for a while.
Recovering from LASIK Surgery
Patients need to be active participants in their recovery after LASIK, and follow doctor’s orders.
- Prescription eye drops are provided by the doctor and must be taken as recommended.
- NO rubbing or touching the eyes while they’re healing.
- Patients must return to the surgeon the day following surgery.
- NO eye makeup or creams on the eyes.
- Bathe or shower, but don’t get water in the eyes.
- Plan on 2 days of additional rest.
- Wear eye shields during the day and night to keep debris out, and prevent rubbing.
- NO water activities for two weeks. No scuba for four.
Great Eats Following LASIK
To maintain eye health- especially following LASIK…
- Get needed protein from poultry, fish (fresh water), eggs, beans and lentils, nuts, and low-fat dairy products.
- Healing vitamins A & C are found in dark, leafy greens, carrots, sweet potatoes, bell peppers, citrus, and tomatoes.
- Good carbs are high in fiber, including fruits and veggies, whole grains, legumes, and beans.
- Good fats are in olive oil, avocados, salmon, nuts, and seeds.
- Drink lots of water to flush out toxins and ensure adequate hydration.
Foods to Avoid for Eye Health
Our avoidance list is directly related to foods that can eventually affect vision as other health factors and risks develop from not maintaining a healthy diet. After LASIK eye surgery, it’s especially important to avoid…
- Heavy spices, spicy sauces, hot peppers and high salts– Not only do you not want the vapors and squirts of something spicy splashing into or immediately irritating the eyes, you especially don’t want it to happen after you’ve had the LASIK procedure! Also, high salt intake should be avoided long-term for overall maintenance of eye health as it increases the risk of osteoporosis which affects eyesight.
- With or without LASIK, Trans Fats, High Fats, and Processed Foods should always be avoided as they can greatly contribute to clogged arteries and heart disease. Check labels for partially hydrogenated oils in margarines, fried foods, and baked goods. As associated diseases develop, so do the risks of glaucoma, cataracts, and other eye diseases.
- With or without LASIK, Reduce sugar intake. High sugar intake can directly affect eyesight over time as people run the risk of developing diabetes, obesity, glaucoma, and eventual blindness.
Dr. Goosey is an experienced provider of LASIK eye surgery in Houston. Since 1992, he’s been known as ‘The Doctors’ Doctor’ and Go-To for exceptional vision care. Schedule your LASIK consult today!