Thanks to LASIK, patients can see clearly without the aid of glasses or contact lenses. The convenience can feel liberating. That’s why Dr. Andrew E. Holzman is proud to help vision patients throughout the greater Washington, DC metro area.
Before undergoing LASIK, patients often have questions about certain routine activities that may be affected by the procedure. Specifically, many patients wonder if they can watch their favorite shows or stream their favorite movies after LASIK. Let’s discuss how screens affect the eyes and why this matters after LASIK surgery.
How Screens Affect Your Eyes
When we stare at screens for a long amount of time, we tend to blink less frequently. This leads to eye strain as well as dry eye. While this eye fatigue is normal and can be a source of irritation, it becomes even worse after undergoing LASIK. Dry eye and eye strain after laser surgery can lead to greater post-op discomfort and worse side effects.
Remember that failing to rest your eyes after LASIK could lead to poor healing times and and increased risk of infection and other side effects. Taking time away from screens is in your best interests.
Limit Your Screen Time When Healing from LASIK
While you can start watching TV againfsf after surgery, you shouldn’t binge-watch or keep your eyes glued to a screen. We encourage our Washington, DC LASIK patients to limit their screen time for another few days until their eyes have fully recovered.
Reduced screen time helps patients relax during the crucial early stages of LASIK recovery. As you return to viewing screens and other normal activities, we have some tips that you should consider to keep your eyes comfortable and moist.
Use Your Lubricating Eye Drops
Dry eye is a common side effect following eye surgery. That’s why patients are told to keep lubricating eye drops on them at all times following LASIK. These lubricating eye drops can provide much needed relief during bouts of eye irritation or itchiness.
Consciously Blink More Than Usual
As you return to looking at screens, try to make a conscious effort to blink more often than usual. This can help reduce eye strain and dry eye, meaning you won’t always have to rely on eye drops for relief.
The 20-20-20 Rule
The best tip for dealing with screens is the 20-20-20 rule. This applies to all people, whether they’ve undergone LASIK or not. The rule goes like this: Every 20 minutes looking at a screen, look away for 20 seconds at a spot 20 feet away.
The 20-20-20 rule resets your blink rate and gives your eyes a chance to rest. Do this throughout your day and you’ll notice a difference in how your eyes feel.
Learn More About LASIK Recovery
If you would like more information about LASIK healing and what you can expect once the surgery is completed, be sure to contact a skilled laser eye surgeon. We are proud to serve the greater Washington, DC metro area. Dr. Holzman and his team can be reached by phone at (703) 552-5221.
