According to a recent research, almost 96% of LASIK patients get better vision within 24 to 48 hours of the surgery. But this does not mean you can resume your daily life activities immediately. Most of the patients might be curious about when to shower after LASIK. Their concern is totally understandable! In this article, we will provide you with a clear waiting period and advice for showering after LASIK so that you get a speedy and complication-free recovery.
How Long After LASIK Can I Shower?
According to professional eye care surgeons, ideally you should wait for at least 24-48 hours before taking a shower after LASIK. The reason is, soap, cleaning products or even water exposure can cause eye infection and disturb your healing process. So, on the first day after surgery, you can use a damp clean cloth to clean your face without water touching your eyes.
However, after 48 hours, you can start showering, but taking proper precautions during the whole first week is essential. You should keep your eyes closed and head straight or slightly down during the shower to avoid water getting into your eyes.
In the second week after LASIK surgery, your eyes will have healed more significantly, so you can resume your normal showering routine. However, it is still wise to avoid excessive moisture in your eyes. Moreover, if there is any discomfort or redness, it is a clear sign that you need to adjust your post-care routine and avoid frequent showers.
How to Shower After LASIK- Step By Step Guide
Now that you are clear about when to shower after LASIK, let’s discuss the basic steps you need to follow to protect your eyes during showering:
1. Make Preparations for Taking Shower
Before entering the water, you have to make some basic preparations that include having a clean, dry towel, a gentle soap, and high-quality goggles on hand. These goggles are mandatory to protect your eyes from water and soap that can enter them.
2. Adjust Showering Environment
Ensure that available water is lukewarm instead of hot water because excess steam can cause irritation in your eyes. Also, minimize the water pressure to avoid any splashes in your eyes.
3. After Shower Care
You need to be very careful when drying off after a shower. Always pat your face with a soft towel, and never rub your eyes as they are still in the healing phase.
Bonus Tips for Showering After Eye Surgery
After undergoing the LASIK procedures, you can typically resume showering at any time following the recommended recovery period. However, to ensure a smooth recovery and avoid potential complications, it’s important to follow a few simple precautions.
1. Use Mild Cleansers
Always opt for gentle, non-irritating cleansers specially designed for sensitive skin. In contrast to harsh products, they won’t cause any adverse reactions to your skin and will keep your eyes safe as well.
2. Avoid Water Going into the Eyes
Even after a few weeks of LASIK, don’t let water enter your eyes. This is because direct water exposure can introduce contaminants in your eyes leading to severe infection. So, while washing your face or head, it is better to keep your eyes closed.
3. Use Hand-held Shower Head
A hand-held showerhead is a safe option for controlling the direction and intensity of water flow during showering. It minimizes the risk of water getting into your eyes and contributes to the healing process.
4. Ensure Proper Ventilation
Before going for a shower, ensure that your bathroom is properly ventilated to avoid the buildup of steam and humidity. Both these factors are great causes of eye discomfort.
What to Do for Eyes Irritation After Taking Shower?
Now, let’s discuss another common scenario of showers after LASIK. Sometimes, you feel irritation in your eyes soon after a shower. Don’t panic about it. By implementing some simple strategies, you can easily overcome this issue. These include:
· Rinse Your Eyes Immediately
If you feel any irritation, rinse your eyes immediately with clean, lukewarm water to remove any soap or shampoo residue.
· Apply Cold Compress
You can place a cold, damp cloth on your eyes for 5-10 minutes. This will provide immediate relief and reduce irritation.
· Use Prescribed Eye Drops
To reduce discomfort, you can use eye drops that your eye surgeon has recommended. Use them 2-3 times a day, and you will see a clear improvement.
· Consult Your Doctor
If the situation worsens and irritation persists, you should consult your doctor immediately. They will guide you properly according to your specific condition.
Conclusion
Showering after LASIK is a very simple and straightforward process. If you adhere to your surgeon’s advice and post-operative instructions, your vision will improve within the expected timeframe, and you will face no issues during recovery. Still, if you have any fear or concern regarding your recovery, you can reach out to a professional eye care center for further advice.
FAQS
It is better to avoid face masks at least 2 to 3 weeks after LASIK. They have potential irritants that can affect your healing process.
Yes, it is safe to use a hair dryer after a shower, but ensure that it is in a medium heat setting and kept away from your eyes to avoid any discomfort.
To deal with dryness, you can use lubricating eye drops as prescribed by your doctor. If it doesn’t go away, you can consult your eye surgeon.
