After the treatment
Recovery and aftercare after laser eye surgery
A smooth recovery mostly depends on a good drop schedule and avoiding rubbing and irritation. Below are the guidelines Dr. Pinxten gives after a Femto-LASIK, SMILE or LASEK treatment.
How recovery progresses
First 24 hours
Vision is somewhat blurred, mild irritation or a gritty sensation. Pain is usually limited.
Day 1 — first check-up
Vision is usually already quite sharp. Screen work often possible from day 2 or 3.
First 3 to 6 months
Possible dry eyes — keep using artificial tears.
1 to 3 months
Vision fully stabilises. Each eye heals at its own pace.
Drop schedule
Strictly following the drop schedule is essential for a smooth, infection-free recovery.
Tobradex and Trafloxal (antibiotic and anti-inflammatory)
- First 3 days
- 6× per day, both eyes
- Week 1
- 4× per day
- Week 2
- 3× per day
Artificial tears
- First week
- every hour while awake
- First 3 months
- 4 to 8× per day
Do's
- Wear sunglasses when leaving the laser centre
- Rest at home or sleep with the protective goggles provided
- Sleep with the goggles the first 3 nights (to avoid rubbing)
- Always wear sunglasses in bright sunlight
- Contact us immediately in case of severe pain or vision loss
Don'ts
- Do not rub your eyes: risk of flap displacement
- No soap or shampoo in your eyes during the first week
- No make-up for four weeks
- No ball or combat sports and no swimming for the first month
- Do not drive on the day of the procedure
Follow-up appointments
All follow-up visits are included in the price and take place at the practice in Knokke:
- 1 day after the treatment
- 1 week after the treatment
- 1 month after the treatment
- 3 months after the treatment
Questions during your recovery?
In case of doubt, pain or a sudden drop in vision, call the practice immediately. We are here for you.