Post-Laser Vision Correction Instructions

Patient care at “Naujas regėjimas” Clinic (Vilnius, Lithuania) does not end once you begin to feel better. We provide postoperative follow-up and recovery support for the required period in accordance with your doctor’s recommendations, including visits after discharge. This does not apply to physiological changes (deterioration of the condition) of the eyes or to complications and diseases not related to the performed laser vision correction.

Surgical Procedure Instructions

Preparing for surgery:

• carefully read your informed consent form for laser vision correction;
• eat and drink as usual (do not consume alcohol for 24 hours prior to surgery);
• wear loose, lint-free clothing with long sleeves that is comfortable for you;
• do not use makeup, perfume, or aftershave lotion;
• bring sunglasses with you.

After surgery you will receive:

• a prescription for medication;
• instructions for the medical use of the prescribed products;
• an invitation for a postoperative consultation.

Returning home

Do not leave the clinic without an escort, as you may need assistance on your way home. Ideally, a friend or relative should accompany you on the day of surgery. If this is not possible, we recommend arranging transportation in advance. Air travel after laser vision correction or cataract surgery is not prohibited; however, we do not recommend flying immediately after the procedure. Your vision may remain slightly blurred and light sensitivity may be increased. We also advise discussing any trips planned within the first month after surgery during your postoperative consultations

Recommendations for the postoperative period

On the first day (the day after surgery):

• remain calm and avoid stress;
• if possible, limit eye movements;
• try not to squeeze your eyes shut;
• DO NOT RUB your eyes;
• avoid activities that require sustained visual focus (watching TV, working at a computer).

If you have small children, we recommend arranging help from family or friends for the first two days, especially after laser vision correction. Minimize alcohol intake during the first 2–3 days, as it may interact with medications and increase eye dryness. Rest more and avoid unnecessary eye strain.

Medications

You will receive a prescription for postoperative care medications. Their cost is not included in the treatment price. Use the medicines strictly as prescribed by the surgeon and store them in a cool, dry place.

How to instill eye drops correctly:

• always wash your hands before using eye drops;
• tilt your head back and look at the ceiling;
• instill the medication directly onto the eyeball. DO NOT PULL DOWN THE EYELID;
• avoid touching the eye or eyelid with the bottle tip.

Please remember that your vision may become blurred immediately after applying drops or ointments. Follow the instructions regarding which drops to use first and the required intervals. If you miss a dose, do not use two or three doses at once. During the recovery phase, it may be more convenient if someone helps you instill drops until your eyes have healed.

Additional precautions:

• do not allow other people to use your eye drops;
• do not touch the bottle neck to the eye or any surface;
• close the bottle or tube immediately after use;
• keep the bottle tightly closed and in an upright position;
• discard all drops and ointments after completing the course of treatment.

DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE.

Eye care

After surgery you may experience:

• tearing;
• light sensitivity (wear sunglasses outdoors);
• a foreign body sensation / “gritty” feeling;
• eye irritation and heaviness when opening the eyes;
• dilated pupils;
• swollen and/or drooping eyelids;
• “floaters” and spots in your field of vision.

In most cases, these are normal temporary effects of the procedure.

Practical tips:

• If you need to clean the area around the eyes, use gauze moistened with cooled boiled water and try not to touch the eye surface.
• Do not use commercial eye-wash solutions. If you feel a foreign body sensation, dryness, or pressure in one or both eyes, use preservative-free artificial tears. They are available at any pharmacy without a prescription.
• If your eyelids swell and you develop itching or redness (even several days after surgery), this may be a reaction to medications. Please contact the clinic for advice on alternative management.

Eye discomfort

Thanks to local anesthetic drops, the procedure is painless. Discomfort about an hour after surgery is normal as the anesthesia wears off. The sensation may resemble a foreign body feeling and can last 24–38 hours. Laser vision correction is generally well tolerated; however, some patients may experience significant discomfort after surgery, which can be relieved with prescribed medications and bandage contact lenses.

Danger in case of severe pain

If severe pain persists after 24 hours, contact “Naujas regėjimas” Clinic (Vilnius, Lithuania) during working hours to schedule a postoperative appointment.

It is unlikely that emergency physicians are familiar with the specifics of complications after laser procedures. If signs of complications occur (which is rare), contact the clinic as soon as possible.

Postoperative follow-up

Please attend all scheduled follow-up visits as recommended by your doctor. One or two visits after surgery are mandatory. Postoperative follow-up at “Naujas regėjimas” Clinic is provided in accordance with the established monitoring plan.

* If bandage lenses need to be removed, a visit to our center is required after 3–4 days or on days 7–14.

You can cancel an appointment at least 3 days in advance.

In some cases, the surgeon may prescribe additional eye drops. Prescribed medicines can be purchased at a pharmacy with a prescription.

Returning to everyday life

Helpful recommendations

• If you work in dusty environments (e.g., construction sites), protect your eyes with “mask-style” safety goggles for at least one month.
• When working with screens, take a 15-minute break every 45 minutes to reduce eye fatigue during the first 2–3 weeks.
• For the first few weeks, wearing sunglasses outdoors is recommended—this protects your eyes from dust and reduces temporary light sensitivity.
• Patients after cataract surgery should avoid heavy lifting during the first 4 weeks.
• During postoperative consultations, the doctor will determine whether your vision meets the required standards.

DO NOT DRIVE UNTIL YOUR DOCTOR CONFIRMS IT IS SAFE.

According to driving standards, you must be able to read a vehicle license plate from a distance of 20.5 meters. If surgery was performed on only one eye, exercise extra caution when driving, as binocular (stereoscopic) vision may be temporarily affected and distance perception can be more difficult.

Sports

Avoid intense physical activity until your eyes have fully recovered (typically about one month). The table below provides general guidance on return-to-activity timelines. Your doctor may advise differently depending on your individual circumstances. If you participate in sports professionally or have questions about other activities, please consult your doctor.

During sports activities, protect your eyes from sweat for at least two weeks by wearing a headband.

General recommendations

Shower and bath

• Avoid getting water in your eyes during the first seven days after surgery.
• When showering, stand a step farther back than usual so water does not get into your eyes.
• When washing your hair, tilt your head back so shampoo does not run into your eyes.
• If shampoo, soap, or any product gets into your eyes—DO NOT RUB THEM. Use lubricating drops to rinse and relieve burning.

Makeup

• Do not wear eye makeup for the first two weeks after surgery.
• Facial cosmetics (cream, foundation, blush, etc.) can be used later, but do not apply them too close to the eyes.
• Do not use waterproof mascara for at least one month, as it is harder to remove.
• For one month after surgery, avoid getting makeup or makeup-remover products into your eyes. If this happens, rinse your eyes with drops and DO NOT RUB THEM.

Vacation / travel

• Traveling abroad is not recommended during the first week after surgery so you can attend the first two postoperative check-ups.
• When traveling to hot countries, wear high-quality sunglasses with full UVA and UVB protection. Avoid sunbathing for one month after surgery.
• During winter sports, wear quality sunglasses or a mask with full UVA and UVB protection.

Reading

• Depending on the extent of correction, reading small print may be difficult for several weeks—this is normal.
• Patients over 45 may need reading glasses. This is a natural age-related process and can be helpful for near-vision tasks (reading, sewing, knitting, etc.).

Tanning bed

• Avoid tanning beds for one month after laser correction and for three months after cataract treatment.

Smoking

• If possible, avoid smoking and staying in smoky environments for one week.

Additional recommendations

LASIK

Bandage contact lenses

Bandage lenses are most commonly used after LASEK to protect the epithelium (outer layer) and reduce discomfort. You must return to the clinic after 3–4 days for removal. Some patients do not tolerate lenses—then they are removed earlier. Discomfort and/or pain may occur while wearing or removing the lens; it usually resolves within 6–24 hours. Rest and take pain relief if needed, but NEVER EXCEED THE DOSE AND NEVER REMOVE THE LENSES YOURSELF.

If a lens falls out and discomfort occurs, do not try to put it back in. Continue using the prescribed drops and attend your follow-up visits.

Healing effect (haze)

Mild corneal haze may occur within 3–4 weeks after LASEK. This is a normal part of the healing process.

Haze is usually minimal and unnoticeable, but in rare cases it may persist for 6–12 months. The risk may increase with certain medications—your doctor will advise if this applies to you. In severe cases, vision may worsen and treatment may be required. Steroid drops or other therapies can be prescribed.

Our specialists will do everything possible to protect and improve your vision. Thousands of patients who have regained comfortable vision are the best confirmation of modern technology and proper postoperative support.