Simple Habits for Healthier Eyes After Surgery

Recovering from eye surgery takes time, patience, and care. Whether you’ve had cataract surgery, LASIK, or another procedure, your eyes need the right conditions to heal properly. Developing a few simple habits can make a noticeable difference in your comfort and recovery.

1. Follow Your Surgeon’s Instructions Carefully
This may sound obvious, but it’s one of the most important steps you can take. Post-operative guidelines — such as using prescribed eye drops and attending follow-up appointments — are designed to prevent infection, control inflammation, and support healing. A study published in the Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery highlights that adherence to prescribed eye drop schedules significantly reduces post-surgical complications.

2. Avoid Rubbing or Touching Your Eyes
Your eyes are particularly sensitive after surgery, and even gentle rubbing can cause irritation or affect the healing incision. If your eyes feel itchy or dry, use your prescribed lubricating drops instead.

3. Get Plenty of Rest and Manage Screen Time
Straining your eyes too soon can slow down recovery. Limit screen use in the first few days, take frequent breaks following the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds), and make sure you get adequate sleep, as it helps your body repair itself naturally.

4. Wear Suitable Sunglasses Outdoors
After eye surgery, your eyes may be more sensitive to light. Wearing high-quality sunglasses that offer 100% UV protection helps shield them from sunlight, dust, and wind. Research from the American Academy of Ophthalmology also shows that UV exposure can contribute to long-term eye surface irritation and slower healing. Wraparound styles offer extra coverage and protection.

5. Maintain Good Hygiene and Avoid Water Exposure
For at least a week after surgery, avoid swimming, hot tubs, or letting tap water get into your eyes. Bacteria in water can cause infections. Always wash your hands thoroughly before applying drops or touching your face.

6. Eat Eye-Friendly Foods
A diet rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids supports healing and overall eye health. Foods like spinach, salmon, and citrus fruits help reduce inflammation and support cell repair, a point echoed by research from the British Journal of Ophthalmology.

7. Attend All Follow-Up Appointments
Even if your eyes feel fine, regular check-ups help your specialist track healing progress and detect potential issues early.

Note: This content is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for medical advice.

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