Have you been thinking about getting LASIK eye surgery? Are you worried about how you’ll recover after the procedure? Making the decision to get LASIK is huge! Since LASIK became FDA approved, it has only grown in popularity. Now it is one of the most popular laser vision treatments.
LASIK works by reshaping the cornea to fix any refractive issues. This gives patients a more permanent and hassle-free vision solution. Wouldn’t you like the opportunity to say goodbye to glasses and contacts? One of the most important things is making sure you have a great recovery process.
This means that patients are healthy and stay away from habits that can impact their recovery from LASIK. One of the habits that patients are surprised to learn that they should avoid is smoking. Keep reading for the 4 reasons not to smoke after LASIK!
1. Dry Eyes
Chances are, you already know that smoking is bad for you. But did you know it’s also bad for your eyes? One of the side effects of smoking is dry eye.
Post-LASIK you are more likely to experience dry eye. This is because, during the procedure, some nerve endings are cut in the cornea.
The most common side effect that patients experience after LASIK is temporary dry eye symptoms. If you are around secondhand smoke, it increases your chances of developing dry eye syndrome.
After LASIK, your eyes are more sensitive. If you are around smoke or you are a smoker, your eyes will be more sensitive to smoke after LASIK.
2. Irritation
Besides dry eye, smoking can also irritate your eyes. Your eyes can get itchy and red.
LASIK can make your eyes itchy and irritated as well, so smoking only makes it worse. It is important to avoid things that can irritate your eyes post-LASIK.
3. Slower Healing Process
It is not advised that patients smoke. If you know you will be having a procedure like LASIK, you should not smoke before or after it.
Smoking has been connected to patients experiencing a longer recovery period. Smoking can weaken your immune system and cause the corneal flaps to not heal correctly.
4. Increased Chances of Infection
Besides a longer recovery, smokers are also more likely to have an infection after LASIK. Smoking makes it harder for your body to fight off an infection.
For healthy patients, their chances of getting an infection post-LASIK are extremely low. But it’s a different story for patients that smoke.
These patients have a higher risk of getting an infection when they smoke. If you develop a corneal flap infection, it can cause other infections. It can also cause other problems like impaired vision.
If you have decided to get LASIK, you should stop smoking a few weeks before surgery. For the best results, continue not smoking for four to six weeks after LASIK.
Patients who stop smoking during this time are allowing their eyes to be at their healthiest. This is a key component if you want the best possible results from a procedure like LASIK.
You should follow any other instructions your doctor gives you. This is the best way to make sure your eyes are the healthiest they can be for surgery.
Are you ready to talk to an eye doctor about LASIK? Schedule a LASIK consultation at Metro Eye Care in Paramus, NJ now!
