After any form of eye surgery your eyes will be sensitive and more at risk of infection. Because of this, it is important to look after your eye health in the weeks post-surgery.
Your doctor should have informed you to try and keep contaminants out of the eye area by avoiding make-up and face creams, and advised delaying taking part in vigorous physical activity. However, there are also some summer specific behaviours that will ensure your vision stays in tip-top shape.
Here is our guide on how to protect your eyes after surgery in Summer.
Use Eye Drops
Your surgeon will have prescribed eye drops for you to use in order to hydrate the eyes and minimise any mild discomfort that you may feel. Dry eyes can be common after eye surgery and the drops will help to alleviate this issue.
In Summer, with hot weather and high pollen counts, it is essential that you maintain regular eye drop use.
Avoid The Sun
Staying out of the sun while your eyes heal will decrease the likelihood of damage to this delicate area. Be sure to wear sunglasses that have 100% UV protection – only wear glasses that block both UVA and UVB rays. Wrap around sunglasses are a great solution as they also block the Sun’s rays from the side of the eye area. In addition, wearing a hat will shield your face from any ultraviolet rays.
Although both of these methods are effective, it is also advised to stay out of the Sun especially during the midday period.
Wash Your Hands
After surgery your eyes will be more susceptible to infection and therefore it is necessary to practice a good standard of hygiene during the recovery process. Patients should wash their hands regularly in order to avoid introducing contaminants into the eye area when they rub them. This can help to lower the risk of conjunctivitis.
If possible, also try to reduce rubbing the eyes (regular eye drop use can help with this).
Use Eye Protection When Swimming
If you choose to go swimming you should always wear eye goggles. Chlorine in the water may make the eyes sting and cause further redness. Chlorine is an irritant which can affect your cornea.
Goggles will not only block chlorine but will also shield your eyes from any other contaminants that may be floating in the swimming pool.
When showering do not get soap into the eyes and try and use only hot water on the face area. If you do need to use soap, then wear goggles to protect your eyes.
Eat And Hydrate Well
Your diet and fluid intake can play a positive part in ensuring a good recovery – simply drinking more water will avoid dehydration (which can cause eye dryness and even visual problems). Better hydration will make you feel more energised and provide fluid for good eye function.
Lutein and zeaxanthin are antioxidants that support eye health and they can be found in foods such as nuts, salmon, and green leafy vegetables. Using supplements that are high in vitamin C and zinc will also supply the body with essential eye nutrients.
Although these 5 tips will definitely help to keep your eyes healthy after surgery, the most important thing to do is to attend your aftercare appointments, where your doctor will be able to see how your eyes are healing and can act quickly if they notice any complications.
At AVC, our 1-year aftercare guarantee gives you access to the largest independent optometrist network in the UK. You will be able to see an eye doctor at a clinic close to your home or choose to visit us on Harley Street. Read more
Call our team on 0808 302 3324 for more details.
