Contents
In line with its mission, the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony makes every effort to provide reliable medical content supported by the latest scientific knowledge. The additional flag “Checked Content” indicates that the article has been reviewed by or written directly by a physician. This two-step verification: a medical journalist and a doctor allows us to provide the highest quality content in line with current medical knowledge.
Our commitment in this area has been appreciated, among others, by by the Association of Journalists for Health, which awarded the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony with the honorary title of the Great Educator.
Wearing glasses means that ophthalmic patients often have to give up some sports, especially when the defect is large, and without proper glasses they can see almost nothing. In some cases, contact lenses may be the solution, but it’s important to remember that not everyone can wear them. Swimming, cycling and running become problematic for eyewear. Laser vision correction can help. However, is physical activity possible after the procedure?
Methods of laser vision correction
There are several available on the market methods of laser vision correction. Which method the doctor chooses to use in our case depends on many factors, such as age, corneal topography, vision defect, length of the eyeball and ophthalmological history.
The most frequently used methods include:
- FemtoLASIK,
- ILASIK, or personalized FemtoLASIK,
- EBK,
- Wavefront.
FemtoLASIK method is the method most commonly used in patients in Poland. It is one of the most modern varieties of the classic LASIK method, which is replaced by new, safer methods due to the long healing and recovery time, as well as possible side effects. ILASIK is the most advanced method available – it minimizes the side effects associated with the so-called halo effect. The EBK method will work well with minor vision defects, while the Wavefront are individualized conventional methods of laser vision correction.
Return to activity after laser vision correction surgery
Different methods of performing laser vision correction differ in the techniques of their implementation. Some of them interfere with the structure of the eye in a more surgical way, others less so. Which of the methods was carried out in our company will also affect the post-operative medical recommendations. A lot also depends on our age and the body’s predisposition to regeneration.
It is generally accepted that within 1-2 weeks of the procedure it should be completely exclude physical activity from life. This applies to both sports training and the wearing of heavy nets with purchases. Only after this time has elapsed and a control visit to the doctor who performed the correction has passed, it will be possible to introduce not very intense activity, e.g. cycling or jogging.
One month after the treatment, you can return to training in the gym, intensive fitness, jogging and other sports that require high strength and endurance. When it comes to extreme sports, such as parachuting, you can think about them only 2 months after the correction.
For the first 3 months after the procedure, you should forget about swimming in a pool, lake or sea. During this time, it is also inadvisable to expose the eyes to excessive drying. So we should not use the sauna or solarium.
In fact, the medical recommendation to limit or completely exclude physical activity for a period of several months is “blowing cold”. It is not known how the eyes weakened by the procedure will react to the intense effort of the body, acceleration of the heart rate and increase in pressure. Perhaps there will be no complications, but too early activity after the procedure may also ruin the effects of the correction.
What is certain, however, is that during and after the activity, foreign bodies and substances may get into our irritated and weakened eyes, which will cause irritation, and in the worst case, infection. Sweat that gets into your eyes while you run or rubbing your eyelids can have serious consequences and extend or interfere with your recovery time.
Also read: Laser vision correction – reviews
Recommendations after laser vision correction surgery
Even after returning to physical activity, we must remember about medical recommendations, especially those in the field of hygiene. Apart from regular check-ups with a doctorwho performed the procedure, we must remember to regularly apply the drops prescribed by a specialist. For the first weeks, these will be antibiotic drops that will speed things up healing of the cornea and prevent infection. For the next few months, it is worth using moisturizing drops that will improve the comfort of vision and prevent dry eyes.
Washing your eyes with a stream of tap water is prohibited – it can also contribute to infection. Therefore, it is worth equipping yourself with a supply of small vials with saline and rinse the eyelids and around the eyes with them. Because maintaining proper eye hygiene is difficult, it is worth asking your doctor about the possibility of using eyelid wipes available at the pharmacy.
Proper care for the treated eyes will not only prevent infections, but also speed up the recovery process and make the correction effect more effective and long-lasting.
Check which defects can be removed by laser vision correction.
The content of the medTvoiLokony website is intended to improve, not replace, the contact between the Website User and their doctor. The website is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Before following the specialist knowledge, in particular medical advice, contained on our Website, you must consult a doctor. The Administrator does not bear any consequences resulting from the use of information contained on the Website.