Guidelines and instruction for patients after LASIK can be categorized into 4 phases
Phase 1: First night after surgery
- Immediately after surgery, the plastic eye shield is applied by the nurses. There are holes in the center of the eye-shield where patients can see through. The patient must not remove the eye shield. The purpose for wearing an eye shield is to prevent the patient from accidentally scratching or rubbing the eye. If the eye waters extensively, blot away the tears outside the eye shield only. If the eye shield does not fit well or becomes loose, the patient can secure it with extra bandage.
- The patients should ensure themselves a good night’s rest for the first night by taking 1-2 tablets of Valium (2mg). If you are usually a difficult sleeper, and have your own preferred type of sleeping pills, you can use them instead of the Valium prescribed by TRSC.
- Some patients may feel pain, which can be alleviated by taking 1-2 Paracetamol tablets (500mg) every 4-6 hours.
- The patient should close their eyes and rest as much as possible. However, normal daily activities can still be carried out if needed.
Phase 2: The first week
- To clean the eye in the morning, simply use 3-4 drops of the artificial tears to wet the eye, and then use a cotton bud to dab the excess from the corner of the eye. Do not use saline solution or anything else to wipe the eye and the eyelid.
- Wear the eye shield at bedtime and when napping to prevent any unconscious eye rubbing
- Do not allow water in or around the eyes
- Continue using Tobrex or Zymar 4 times a day
- Apply Tears Naturale Free at least 4 times a day and as needed
- Apply Duratears gel before bedtime
Phase 3: The second week to first month
- Eye make up is permitted two weeks after surgery
- Sport activities including swimming are permitted two weeks after surgery
- Apply Tears Naturale Free at least 4 times a day or as needed
- Apply Duratears gel before bedtime
Phase 4: Beyond the first month after surgery
- No other restrictions aside from no rubbing of the eyes
- Apply Tears Naturale Free 4 times a day or as needed
- Apply Duratears gel before bedtime (as needed for dryness)
- Patients who continue to experience light scattering (glare or halos) or whose visual clarity decreases in dimly lit areas can still expect this condition to gradually improve, until 3 months after the operation. (Those who suffer an extreme condition of light scattering can use special glare filter spectacles to alleviate this problem).
- Some patients may still not achieve visual clarity at this stage, but this condition can still improve
- Patients who continue to experience dry eyes can still expect this condition to improve (please use the artificial tears as needed)
- Some patients may experience visual regression, but should not be overly concerned about this condition, and should by all means continue to use the eyes as they would otherwise. Visual regression cannot be cured with medication or any special conduct, for example, by not using the eyes. The patient simply has to abide by these guidelines and come to all scheduled eye examinations. A patient who is affected by visual regression will be scheduled for eye examinations more frequently, i.e. every month, for consideration of a possible enhancement procedure. Enhancement procedures can only take place after measurements have stabilized (which takes approximately 3-6 months).
Postoperative Eye examinations
The routine postoperative visits at TRSC are scheduled as followed:
| - The surgical fees include 5 routine, postoperative eye examinations during the first year (excluding medications), typically at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 1 year. |
- If there are additional post-operative eye examinations needed within one year after the surgery, the fee will be exempted (only the medication cost is required). |
- The Patient and doctor will decide together concerning further laser enhancement. This enhancement can be preformed only when the patient’s eyesight is stable. The duration of performing laser enhancement is limitless and free of charge, except for costs of medications. |
Follow-up care
Examinations directly related to the surgery and performed within the first year of surgery are considered follow-up exams.
Routine yearly examinations are considered check-up exams and will consist of vision check, refraction, and eye health check including dilation.
Importance of follow-up care
Although most patients notice improvement in their vision almost immediately after surgery, the follow-up period is an important and necessary part of your care. In the early period, we must monitor for infection and other complications, and make sure the prescription treatment is accurate. Once your eye(s) have healed and the vision has stabilized, it is important to monitor your vision and health of your eyes to ensure that you continue to see well for the rest of your life.
TRSC follow-up guidelines
TRSC prides itself on meeting and exceeding international eye care standards, which includes providing the recommended follow-up examinations to ensure good vision and eye health. The majority of complications after surgery occur within the first week. It is mandatory that the 1-day and 1-week follow-ups be performed at TRSC so that our team of surgeons can properly monitor the healing process. After the first week, the schedule of follow-up examinations is:
1 month, 3 month and 1 year follow up exams.
If patients are not compliant with this schedule, TRSC cannot be held responsible for complications that may occur due to the lack of follow-up care.
The purpose of these follow-up appointments are:
• To ensure the prescription and vision results are as planned
• To monitor for late complications
• To monitor for non-LASIK related eye disease which can be sight-threatening |