Refractive corneal surgery - discharge

You had refractive corneal surgery to help improve your vision. This surgery corrects mild-to-moderate nearsightedness. You no longer need to wear glasses or contacts to see things that are far away. Your surgery probably took less than 30 minutes. You may have had the surgery in both eyes.

You will probably see your doctor 1 or 2 days after surgery. Your doctor will tell you what activities you can do. Common guidelines are:

• Take a few days off of work after surgery until the most annoying symptoms get better.
• Avoid all noncontact activities (such as bicycling and working out at the gym) for at least 3 days after surgery.
• Avoid contact sports (such as boxing and football) for the first 4 weeks after surgery.
• Do not swim or use a hot tub or whirlpool for about 4- 8 weeks. (Ask your doctor)

Your doctor may give you eye drops to help prevent infection or reduce inflammation or soreness.

You will need to take care of your eyes:

• Do NOT rub your eyes. Rubbing could dislodge the flap. You would need another surgery to repair it. Use artificial tears if your doctor says it's okay.
• Do NOT wear contact lenses on the eye that had surgery, even if you have blurry vision.
• Do NOT use any makeup, creams, or lotions around your eye for the first 2 weeks.
• Always protect your eyes from being hit or bumped.