What happens at aftercare appointments?
Once a patient has had their consultation and eye surgery, the third and final step towards their goal of improved vision is aftercare. Although it’s the last step in the process, it’s equally important and will ensure that healing is on track as well as eliminate the possibility of infection setting in, and the – unlikely – event of complications arising.
Having a drink to celebrate
You’re not advised to drink alcohol on the day following your treatment as it can cause unnecessary dryness and discomfort to your eyes. So wait a day or two before popping the corks and making toasts to your new vision.
For seven days after your treatment…
You will be given detailed instructions by your surgeon on what the do’s and don’ts are, as well as eye drops and antibiotic medication, in order to keep the eye lubricated and avoid infection respectively. You will be given goggles to wear when you’re in the shower or to take a bath, and these will also prevent you from rubbing your eyes whilst you’re asleep.
Avoid contact sports and don’t go swimming for at least 2 weeks. Also, don’t wear any eye makeup for at least the first week, and buy new mascara and eyeliner, to avoid the chance of getting an infection.
Scheduling your appointments
The first aftercare appointment is scheduled for the day after the procedure, and AVC treats their out-of-town patients to a complimentary overnight stay at a London hotel. Advanced Vision Clinic is one of the only clinics in the UK that offers nationwide aftercare. This means that you will be saved the expense of travelling back into London, but still benefit from 5-star aftercare treatments. AVC will give you a list of the optometrists they partner with, and you can rest assured that your aftercare will be in the best hands.
How many aftercare appointments will you need to have?
Depending on the treatment, you will need to have a minimum of 5 aftercare appointments:
- LASIK laser eye surgery: 1 day, 1 week, 6-8 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months
- LASEK laser eye surgery: 4 days, 2 weeks, 6 -8 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months
- ICL: 1 day, 2 weeks, 3 months, 12 months and annually or once in two years.
- CLE and Cataract: 1 day, 2 weeks, 3 months and 12 months
What happens at aftercare appointments?
These appointments are mostly just a nice-to-have formality that will assure you that your healing is progressing as it should; give you the chance to ask all the, ‘ Is it normal that…’ questions; as well as give the optometrist the opportunity to conduct routine eye tests.
All in all, aftercare is a chance for you to play your part in correcting your eyes vision, so take care to follow the instructions you’ll be given, and don’t hesitate to contact AVC if you have any questions or concerns.
