Time Off Work After LASIK Surgery: Guidelines to Consider
While glasses and contacts can enhance your vision, there's a lot to be said of the convenience and safety of LASIK surgery. LASIK uses a carefully guided laser to reshape the cornea. Thanks to the great precision provided by modern scanning technology, patients are able to see clearly without the need for glasses and contacts. Many people are amazed by the improved vision they experience so soon after LASIK surgery.
While the LASIK procedure is quick, it is a surgery and requires some recovery time. Inevitably that means time off from work. Or does it? Let's take a moment to consider how much downtime a person needs after undergoing LASIK surgery.
LASIK Recovery Is Generally Rapid
The LASIK procedure usually takes just 10 minutes per eye. That's all the time required to reshape the cornea and improve a person's vision. Since the surgery is so quick, it should come as no surprise that patients tend to recovery from LASIK in a generally rapid fashion.
Returning to Work After Surgery
A number of patients assume that they may need a few days off from work after undergoing LASIK. While that is true for some patients, it is possible for a patient to undergo LASIK one morning and be back at work the following day.
Can I Really Be Back at Work the Next Day?
Surprisingly, yes.
Keep in mind that just because you return to work so soon after LASIK doesn't mean you'll be free from side effects and other issues. Those will still be present, and are typically the most pronounced in the early days of recovery. This is why some patients may be advised to take at least a day or so off from work.
The exact time you need to take off from work can be discussed in more detail during the consultation process.
Avoiding or Reconsidering Certain Job Duties
It's also important to keep in mind that just because you are back at work doesn't mean you should perform all of the same job duties.
If you work in manual labor or in an occupation that involves a lot of heavy lifting and strenuous activity, it may be important to take a few days off just to make sure your eyes fully heal. Incidental eye contact or excessive strain and pressure can increase the risk of certain complications. It's best to err on the side of caution.
Work Tips for LASIK Patients
When you return to work, it's generally important to avoid serious eyestrain. If you're in a job that involves staring at a monitor for extended periods of time, be sure to look away from the monitor to rest your eyes and take breaks as needed.
Light sensitivity is often a major issue in the first days after surgery, so be sure to wear sunglasses and/or a hat with a brim when outdoors or near bright light sources.
Finally, if you're in an occupation with smoky or dusty environments, it is crucial that you wear eye protection at all times. The irritants in the air can result in serious discomfort if they come in contact with your eyes.
Learn More About LASIK Surgery
For more information about LASIK and whether or not it's an ideal option for you, contact our experienced team of eye care specialists today. We will discuss all of your options in greater detail so you can make the best decision for your eye care needs.
