After undergoing Femto LASIK, the last thing you’ll want is irritation, an infection or any complications from the most common of all things - the rain. If you’ve experienced Femto LASIK in the recent past and are wondering if rain is alright or if it’s okay to be out in the drizzle… you’re not alone! This is a common concern, especially for individuals who underwent LASIK in India, where rain seems to pop up unexpectedly.
Let’s dissect what actually happens if rainwater gets into your eyes after Femto LASIK, and how avoid getting wet during your healing time.
Understanding Femto LASIK and the healing period
Femto LASIK (Femtosecond Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is one of the most advanced and safe laser vision correction procedures offered today. It’s one of the safest, bladeless, most precise and has a great recovery time. Most patients can see results as quickly as 24 hours, and return back to their usual activities within days.
However, with such quick improvement, your eyes are still undergoing a healing period under the surface. As with any surgery, the cornea will take some time to recover completely, and during that time, will be more prone to external contaminants (like rainwater).
Is rainwater dangerous at all?
Rainwater isn’t as harmless as it looks!
Rainwater may look clean and natural and land somewhere between clean and dirty. Rainwater contains a cocktail of dust, bacteria, viruses, and pollutants - particularly in urban areas. By the time it is falling from the sky, it has already picked up contaminants from rooftops, trees, buildings, etc. and even from the ground.For someone who has just had Femto LASIK eye surgery, having this water directly on their eyes would be concerning.
Here’s why:
The Water may be Bacterial Contamination
Rainwater can have microorganisms that can lead to infections, and following your LASIK your cornea is not fully formed, as the flap has been cut. Bacteria can access your eyeball more easily from an open flap of your cornea, as well.
Even if the water does not have any harmful pathogens in it, getting the water on your eye may still cause irritation, redness, or inflammation to an eye that is currently trying to heal.
The first 7 to 10 days following a Femto LASIK procedure is extremely important for the healed corneal flap's ability to adhere and to properly heal. During this time, anything foreign to the eye, especially untreated/unfiltered water, can aggravate your healing process and allow for higher risk of complications occurring.
What to do if rainwater accidently gets into an exercise clients eyes
- Steer Clear of Rubbing Your Eyes
If you should get rainwater in your eyes during the first week of having had the LASIK surgery performed do not rub your eyes. It is extremely important as rubbing the eyes may cause the flap to releave.
- Rinse your eyes gently
Rinse your eyes gently with an eye drop that is sterile or other preservatives free artificial tears and as your we would have prescribed for you.
- Contact your surgeon
If within the first 24 hours after you get the rain water in your eyes and you notice agitation in your eyes, such as red, pain, lowers vision, excessive tearing or sensitivity make sure to contact your surgeon that week. At your appointment, your surgeon will be able to evaluate your eyes, prescribe you drops for either an antibiotic or an antibiotic alternative or make sure preventive measures were taken.Protecting Your Eyes from Rain After Femto LASIK: Precautions
When it's pouring or you find yourself caught outside in the rain after your Femto LASIK surgery, here are some practical tips for eyes care during the rainy season:
1. Keep Protective Glasses with You
Regardless of cloud cover, always keep your wraparound sunglasses handy. Not only do they protect your eyes from UV rays, dirt, and wind exposure, they will also keep the rain off your eyes.
2. Stay Indoors During the First Week
You should limit your time spent outside during the early recovery phase and avoid exposure to rain, humidity, and dirt when possible.
3. Don't Go Outside without an Umbrella
Even if you step out for a second, it can rain down on you or cars passing by can splash whatever rain accumulated on your shoes, pants or umbrella to your eyes.
4. Follow Your Prescription Routine
Regularly use the antibiotic drop, the anti-inflammatory drop, and the artificial tear drops as prescribed during your post-operation recovery period. It’s your best defense against post-operative vision infection.
5. No Swimming or Showers
For at least 2 weeks minimum - stay away from all non-sterile water sources. Non-sterile water includes chlorinated pool water, tap water, and rain water.
When Should You Get Caught Outside in The Rain After Your Femto LASIK?
The rainy weather should not resolve back to your prior experiences, especially with the condition of your eye for a month post-operative recovery. Your eyes should generally be healed enough to stay out in the rain without any downside risk after the first month has passed. However, you should still try not to expose yourself to directly getting splashed. You should continue to use eye protection when outside.
The corneal flap should have reattached close to normal, the inflammation post-operation should have subsided, and the infection risk should be absent or minimal at this point, outside of eyes care and protection during inclement rainy weather conditions, if possible.
Femto LASIK and Eye Care During Monsoon Season: Closing Thought
Rain water does not always pose a dark cloud on recovery, especially when recovering from vision correction surgery. Overall: one small eye infection could adversely affect your final outcome of your vision correction. The risk of infection is not worth the final vision outcome of your Femto LASIK.
After LASIK, continue to listen to your surgeon, use the eye drops as prescribed, wash your hands before touching your face, and avoid the rain: it is silly not to use eyes care up and to listen to your surgeon and their professional advice as it relates to your rainy weather concerns.
Rain water should not become an issue for your Femto LASIK eye care if your are aware and cautious during your post-operative phase.
If you are considering Femto LASIK or seeking professional advice during your recovery phase, everything provided goes - you have earned trusting professional guidance.
The Eye Foundation will also provide you as much state-of -the-art surgical care and post-operative follow-up care as recommended, including personalized professional follow-up for a safe recovery and taking every precaution to achieve a smooth recovery.
Do it today, book an appointment and speak to an experienced LASIK professional for clearer conversation or eye care in any weather season.
