The first few weeks after LASIK are an exciting time. Your vision is back! Now, help keep it intact by following our 'Life After LASIK' guidelines and aftercare instructions.
Please be advised that your follow-up care is as important as the actual laser eye surgery. You are required to come into our Los Angeles office within 24 hours of your procedure for your first post-operative appointment.
Immediately after the surgery, you should continue using your eye medications. Take your antibiotic eye medication every even hour (12pm, 2pm, 4pm, etc.) and your steroid medication every odd hour (1pm, 3pm, 5pm, etc.). Avoid rubbing your eyes for six weeks following your treatment. If your eyes itch, notify Dr. Benjamin or Dr. Golchet, and an anti-itch medication can be prescribed.
You may take a shower the day after surgery, but keep your eyes closed. Don't allow water to spray directly in your face, and avoid soap and shampoo in your eyes for one full week. You should not submerge in any body of water (including pools, Jacuzzis, hot tubs, oceans, rivers, lakes, etc.) for at least two weeks, and you should avoid scuba diving for three weeks.
When outdoors, use sunglasses during the first four weeks to protect your eyes from wind and dust. At bedtime, wear your eye shield for at least one week if you sleep on your back or side, and two weeks if you sleep on your stomach. This will prevent you from rubbing your eyes during asleep. In terms of activity, light exercise is permissible, but excessive workouts should be avoided for at least five days. For one week after your procedure, you should avoid wearing mascara. However, it is okay to apply eye shadow and other make-up.
Immediately after LASIK, we recommend returning home and going to sleep. This will allow your eyes to heal, and you'll sleep through the worst part of the post-surgical discomfort. After surgery, you can expect your eyes to be irritated and sensitive to light. They may burn, sting and tear excessively, and you may feel like something is stuck in your eye. These sensations typically dissipate within 24 hours. In the meantime, do not rub your eyes. If you're experiencing considerable discomfort, you may take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as Tylenol or Advil.
In addition, here are a few other guidelines to keep in mind throughout your recovery:
You may put your vision in the best hands by asking the proper questions of a potential LASIK physician using this No-Regrets Guide. We've included our own responses to these inquiries to prevent you from having to conduct an interview. But if you need more explanation or have other worries, let us know! We are at your service.
If you first experience a disaster like dry eye, the fundamental rule and recommendation would be to speak with a skilled ophthalmologist before putting anything in your eyes. Since choosing a treatment requires more pathophysiological understanding than simply purchasing the first eye drops you see.
Pterygium removal is a surgical procedure that removes abnormal tissue growing onto the cornea, often followed by a conjunctival autograft or amniotic membrane graft to support healing and reduce recurrence. This recovery guide explains what to expect after surgery, how to use prescribed ointments and drops, why UV protection is essential, how dry eye management supports healing, and when to contact our office during recovery.
Prokera® Slim is an FDA-cleared biological medical device that uses amniotic membrane to support healing of the ocular surface. This treatment may help reduce inflammation, suppress scarring, and restore damaged eye tissue in conditions such as keratitis, chemical burns, corneal scars, epithelial defects, and severe dry eye. Prokera is placed in the office, worn continuously for several days, and removed by Dr. Benjamin at a follow-up visit.
Valeda Light Delivery System is an advanced treatment for dry age-related macular degeneration, designed to support retinal cells and help preserve visual function. The procedure uses photobiomodulation — low-level light therapy with specific wavelengths — and is performed quickly, without pain, eye drops, injections, or recovery time.
If your vision becomes blurry, hazy, or foggy months or years after cataract surgery, it may be caused by posterior capsule opacification — often called a “secondary cataract.” This is a common and treatable condition, not a return of the original cataract. At Benjamin Eye Institute, Dr. Arthur Benjamin performs YAG laser capsulotomy in the office to quickly and painlessly clear the cloudy capsule behind the lens implant, with no incisions or stitches and clearer vision often restored the same day.
Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that rejuvenates the upper and/or lower eyelids by removing excess skin, fat, and muscle. This recovery guide explains what to expect after eyelid surgery, including swelling, bruising, cold compresses, suture removal, activity restrictions, and important instructions to support safe healing and the best possible aesthetic result.
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) is an in-office laser treatment designed to lower intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension. This guide explains how SLT works, what to expect during the procedure, how Dr. Benjamin’s 180° treatment strategy is used, and why SLT may reduce or delay the need for daily glaucoma eye drops.
