Specs Removal Aftercare: Essential precautions for a safe and smooth recovery after SILK, LASIK, PRK

Specs Removal Aftercare: Essential precautions for a safe and smooth recovery after SILK, LASIK, PRK

Undergoing laser refractive surgery (specs removal surgery) such as LASIK, SILK or PRK is a life-changing decision that reduces your dependence on glasses or contact lenses.

But the journey to crystal-clear vision doesn’t end when you step out after refractive surgery. Proper post-surgery care and following key precautions are critical to ensure a safe, smooth, and speedy recovery.

This blog covers essential precautions and practical tips to follow during your recovery period after LASIK, SILK or PRK. Always follow your eye surgeon’s advice.

 

What to expect after your refractive specs removal surgery?

The first week after any refractive surgery is a crucial healing phase. Your eyes may be a little sensitive and vision may fluctuate slightly in the early days and depending on the procedure. During this time, following your surgeon’s instructions exactly will help minimize discomfort, reduce risk of infections and ensure your cornea heals optimally.

At Shroff Eye Centre, our cornea & refractive team will give you clear post-surgery instructions before you leave the centre after your specs removal surgery.

 

Key Precautions and Aftercare Tips

1. Bring an Attendant for Assistance

Immediately after surgery, your vision will be blurry. We recommended bringing a friend or a family member with you for assistance and safe transportation home.

2. Rest & protect

• Right after surgery, your vision may be blurry, and your eyes may feel sensitive. It’s important to rest your eyes- just close them and relax– especially on the first day.
• Wear sunglasses outside to protect your eyes from bright light as your eyes are sometimes a little sensitive. Also this protects you a little bit from dust entering your eyes.
• Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes as this increases the risk of infection and can disrupt healing.
• Use protective eye shields at night to avoid rubbing your eyes accidentally.

3. Do not remove the bandage contact lens

• After LASIK & PRK, a protective bandage contact lens is placed over your eye to protect the cornea and aid healing.
• Do not try to remove this lens yourself; it will be removed safely by your surgeon, usually the next day in LASIK.
• If it falls out on its own, do not wear it again.

4. Minimise Screen time

It’s important to avoid screens (mobile phones, computers, TV) for the first 24 hours post-surgery

• After the first day, gradually increase screen use over the next week.
• Take frequent breaks using the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to avoid eye strain and dry eye.

6. Use Eye drops properly

Eye drops are prescribed to reduce inflammation, prevent infection, and keep your eyes moist. Following the exact timing and right technique for using eye drops is important. Take care to:

• Administer one drop at a time in each eye.
• Maintain a gap of at least 2 minutes (maximum 5 minutes) between different types of eye drops.
• Avoid rubbing your eyes after applying drops. Gently wipe excess drops once it rolls down to your cheek- don’t rub or use the tissue on your eyes.

7. Keep Your Eyes and Face Clean

Good hygiene is essential after SILK, LASIK & PRK to avoid infections.

• Avoid any water entering your eyes for the first week after surgery- yes, that means no face washing.
• Use separate sterile wipes to clean the face & eyes. Use one wipe to clean one eye, a second wipe to clean the second eye and a third wipe to clean the face. This prevents cross-contamination.
• When cleaning your eyes, close your eyes and gently clean your lashes with the sterile wipe without rubbing or applying pressure.

8. Eye Makeup

• We recommend you do not use any eye makeup for at least 4 weeks after your refractive eye surgery. This is to prevent any infection or irritation in the eyes.
• No coloured contact lenses for at least 3 months after surgery.
• No threading and no facials either for a month!

9. Sports and gymming after LASIK

We recommend you check with your eye surgeon but we usually advise our patients

• No swimming anywhere for at least one month.
• No contact sports or adventure sports for a month
• No strenuous exercise and heavy gym workouts until your surgeon advises otherwise.

10. No Dietary Restrictions

There are no specific diet restrictions after specs removal refractive surgery. You can eat your regular meals or as advised and take your prescribed medications as usual.

11. Follow-Up Appointments are Crucial

Regular post-operative visits allow your eye surgeon to monitor healing and catch any early signs of problems

At Shroff Eye Centre, we ask you to follow up- the next day after surgery, a week day later and one month after the procedure i.e. Day 1, Day 7 and Day 30 after your refractive eye surgery.

Watch out for these signs and contact us urgently if you experience

• Increased eye pain or discomfort
• Redness that worsens
• Sudden vision changes
• Persistent watering or discharge

 

Your Trusted Partner in Vision Care

Proper post-LASIK care is essential to protect your investment in your vision. Following the precautions and aftercare tips outlined here helps minimize risks, reduce discomfort, and accelerate healing.

Remember, healing varies by individual, so always follow your surgeon’s personalized advice. If you have any doubts or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to the expert cornea & refractive team at Shroff Eye Centre.

 

About Dr. Apoorva Aggrawal

Dr. Apoorva Aggrawal is a well known ophthalmologist at Shroff Eye Centre. She specialises in Cataract & IOL Surgery, LASIK/SILK (Refractive Surgery), and corneal disorders. Known for her warm and approachable personality she is also a highly competent surgeon.
Specializations: Cataract & IOL Surgery, SILK, LASIK & PRK (Refractive Surgery), Cornea, Dry Eye, General Ophthalmology

Post-Surgery FAQs for LASIK, SILK & PRK

1. When can I join back work after LASIK, SILK or any refractive surgery?

Most people are able to resume work, or college, about a week after their refractive surgery, depending on their comfort and doctor’s advice.

2. Can I wear makeup after LASIK?

Avoid eye makeup for at least one month post-surgery to reduce risk of eye infection and irritation.

3. When can I drive after LASIK?

Usually, patients are advised to avoid driving for at least a week after refractive surgery or till the cornea heals over.

4. Is it normal to experience dry eyes after LASIK?

Yes, some dry eye is common after LASIK and is usually well controlled with lubricating eye drops. Dry eye improves as the cornea heals and usually fully resolves in a few weeks to months.

5. Can I watch a movie after LASIK?

We recommend you avoid all screens on the day of your refractive surgery – whether LASIK, SILK or PRK. Screen use can be increased gradually over the week but with frequent breaks.

6. Why Choose Shroff Eye Centre for LASIK or SILK?

Since 1914, Shroff Eye Centre has been at the forefront of eye care in India. Our experienced surgeons combine the latest laser technology with a compassionate, patient-first approach. Every step, from your initial consultation to post-surgery follow-ups, is personalised to ensure you get the best eye care possible.

How do we do this? By doing these for every refractive surgery patient:

• Decades of experience – we were one of the first to begin refractive surgery in Delhi nearly three decades ago
• Using latest technology such as ELITA, Wavelight for high precision
• Highly trained & award-winning refractive surgeons
• Ethical, patient-first approach

If you’re considering any specs removal procedure such as SILK, LASIK or PRK, you deserve treatment from one of the most trusted names in eye care.

7. Do you charge for follow up visits for LASIK?

After LASIK or any refractive surgery, we do not charge you for three follow up visits till a month after the procedure for refractive surgery related eye issues.