Summer means lounging by the pool, but what if you’ve just had LASIK? Can you swim after LASIK? How long do you need to stay out of the water? Find out answers to your biggest post-LASIK swimming questions below. Can you have LASIK and a summer of swimming too?

Swimming and Glasses- It Isn’t Always Fun in the Sun

Glasses and contacts can ruin a good day at the beach. You need your glasses to see, but they can make getting in the water and enjoying water activities very difficult. Swimming laps in glasses just doesn’t work. Contacts aren’t any better. It can be dangerous to swim with contacts in, in rare cases causing lasting vision loss or blindness. Swimming and playing in the water will be much easier and more comfortable after LASIK surgery.

Water Restrictions After LASIK

After LASIK you’ll have a few water restrictions during the healing process. This helps to ensure you heal properly and avoid complications. We’ll discuss these in-depth before surgery so you know what to expect. The amount of time you’ll need to stay out of the water varies, depending on the type of activity. Here’s a basic guide to some of the top water restrictions after LASIK. Get in touch with any questions you may have.

• Showers and Baths- You can shower and bathe the day after your LASIK procedure. Be very careful to avoid getting soap or shampoo in the eyes until you’ve fully healed.
• Swimming Pools– Stay out of swimming pools for 1-2 weeks after LASIK. Use goggles and avoid opening your eyes under water for about a month. The chlorinated water can dry the eyes out and lead to irritation.
• Hot Tubs– Avoid hot tubs for about 2 weeks after LASIK.
• Oceans/Lakes- Ocean and lake water may contain pathogens, leading to a slightly higher risk of infection after LASIK. Give yourself at least 2+ weeks before swimming in oceans, lakes, or rivers. Be careful when participating in high-impact water activities like water skiing and surfing. We recommend waiting until at least 3 weeks post-surgery and wearing appropriate eye protection.

After LASIK, summer swimming is going to be a lot more fun. You may have to miss a week or two at the beach this summer, but a lifetime of better vision is worth it. We offer many advanced vision correction solutions including Bladeless LASIK, and advanced corneal inlays. Contact us to schedule your LASIK consultation.

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Smoking isn’t good for your body, not for your heart, not for your lungs, and surprisingly to some, not for your eyes. Here’s what you need to know to protect your body, and your eyes, from the deadly effects of cigarettes.

How Does Smoking Harm the Eyes?

Smoking is linked to a leading cause of vision loss, age-related macular degeneration or AMD. It is also a risk-factor for cataracts, a serious vision problem that requires surgery. Protect your eyes by quitting today. If you don’t smoke, don’t start.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Research suggests that smokers have twice the risk for AMD. It is the leading cause of vision loss in patients over 50. AMD damages the macula, a small spot near the center of the eye that provides clear central vision. As AMD develops, it can lead to a loss of central vision, making everyday tasks difficult or impossible. AMD is not reversible.
H2: What Are the Signs of Macular Degeneration?
AMD is a slow progressing disease, often requiring years before vision loss is extreme. It can progress more quickly in some patients. At first, a blurred area in the central vision is common. Over time this area can grow larger or blank spots your vision may develop. Some patients notice that objects aren’t as bright as the used to be. AMD doesn’t cause complete vision loss, even in its most advanced stages, but can cause patients to lose the ability to read, drive, see faces, etc. Many patients with AMD are legally blind, although they retain some outer vision.

Cataracts

Smokers are 2-3 times more likely to experience cataracts than a non-smoker. Cataracts cause the lens inside of the eye to become cloudy. Just like looking through a dirty window, cataracts can impede vision, causing blurriness. This blurry vision often increases and becomes worse with time. Surgery is the only way to restore vision loss from cataracts.

What Are the Signs of Cataracts?

Cataracts can cause a variety of symptoms including:
• Cloudy vision
• Blurry vision
• Difficulty with night vision
• Light sensitivity
• Halos around lights

What Can I Do to Improve My Eyesight?

If you have nearsightedness, farsightedness, or other vision problems, come see us. Dr. Will is a leading refractive surgeon and has years of skill and experience in the field. He can help you to explore your options for improving vision and treating common eye problems. Contact us and schedule your consultation with Dr. Will.

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Have you been told that LASIK isn’t possible because of an astigmatism or other vision problem? If you’ve been turned down for LASIK by another refractive surgeon, come see us at Will Vision. We use leading edge technology to provide LASIK to many patients who thought corrective visionsurgery was impossible. Astigmatism, extreme nearsightedness or farsightedness, and presbyopia can all be corrected by LASIK and other corrective techniques.

What Is an Astigmatism?

Astigmatism is a big word, but its meaning is relatively simple. If your eye isn’t perfectly round, you have an astigmatism. The eye should be shaped like a basketball, but with an astigmatism, it is shaped more like a football. It is very common and most eyes have some degree of this optical condition. The good news is, it is very treatable.
When a patient has an astigmatism, light is often focused on different optical planes. This can cause blurry vision. Patients with astigmatism often experience blurriness both near and far. It is often found in patients with nearsightedness or farsightedness, compounding the vision difficulties.

Am I a Good Candidate for LASIK?

Do you wear glasses or contacts? If so, you’re likely a good candidate for refractive surgery. With the many advances in vision surgery, most everyone can enjoy total freedom from glasses, reading glasses, and contact lenses. If you use corrective lenses, we can probably help you.
You may be a good candidate for vision correction surgery if:
• You Want to See Better- Many patients enjoy vision improvement equal to or greater than the correction they received with corrective lenses.
• You Are Tired of Glasses and Contacts- Ditch those glasses! Many of our patients no longer need glasses or contacts after vision correction surgery.
Stop wondering if you’re a good candidate for LASIK and get answers. By scheduling a free comprehensive consultation with Dr. Will, you can learn about your options. We’ll work together to create a solution that meets your unique needs. LASIK may not be your best option, but we offer many treatments and we’ll find the right fit for you.
Whatever your vision problems, come see us. With our advanced laser treatments, most patients can lose the glasses and discover better sight.

The post Can I Get LASIK if I Have an Astigmatism? appeared first on Will Vision.