What to do and not do after eye surgery?

If you are planning eye surgery, you may ask: “What should I do after the operation?”

At Vision Laser in Switzerland, we guide patients step by step. Most people are surprised by how simple recovery is, but following the rules matters.

This is a very important question. What you do after surgery helps your eyes heal well and keeps your vision clear.

Why aftercare matters

Eye surgery is gentle and safe, but your eyes still need time to heal. Good aftercare helps to:

• protect your eyes
• reduce dryness and irritation
• lower the risk of infection
• give the best vision results

Small actions make a big difference.

What to do after eye surgery

Rest your eyes

Rest is very important in the first days. You do not need to stay in bed, but take it easy.

Good rest includes:

• taking short breaks from screens
• sleeping well at night

Most people feel better within 24 hours.

Use your eye drops

Your doctor gives you eye drops to help healing. These drops:

• keep your eyes moist
• prevent infection
• reduce swelling

Use them exactly as prescribed. Do not skip doses.

Wear sunglasses outside

Your eyes may be sensitive to light. Sunglasses help to:

• block bright light
• protect from wind and dust
• keep your eyes comfortable

Wear them every time you go outside, even on cloudy days.

Keep your eyes clean

You can gently clean around your eyes if needed. Use:

• clean hands
• a clean cloth
• lukewarm water

Be very gentle.

Go to your follow-up visits

Follow-up visits are important. Your Vision Laser doctor checks:

• how your eyes are healing
• your vision progress
• that everything looks healthy

These visits help keep you safe.

Eat and drink well

Healthy food helps healing. Drink plenty of water. Eat fruits, vegetables, and simple meals.

What not to do after eye surgery

avoid rubbing your eyes

This is the most important rule. Rubbing your eyes can:

• slow healing
• cause infection

If your eyes itch, use your drops instead.

Do not use makeup right away

Avoid eye makeup for at least:

• 1 week after laser surgery
• 2 weeks after lens surgery

Makeup can bring bacteria near your eyes.

Do not swim too soon

Avoid:

• swimming pools
• lakes
• the sea
• hot tubs

Wait at least 2 weeks before swimming.

Do not do heavy exercise

Avoid:

• lifting heavy objects
• intense gym workouts
• contact sports

Light walking is fine. Most sports can restart after 1 week, based on your doctor’s advice.

Do not drive too soon

Do not drive on the day of surgery. Wait until your doctor says it is safe. Many people can drive again after 1–2 days.

Do not ignore problems

Call Vision Laser if you notice:

• strong pain
• sudden vision changes
• heavy redness
• thick discharge

It is always better to ask.

Recovery is usually quick

Most people:

• return to work in 1–3 days
• feel comfortable very fast
• enjoy clearer vision soon

Modern eye surgery heals quickly when you follow the rules.

Want to know if eye surgery is right for you?

Everyone’s eyes are different. The best first step is a simple online test.

Take the Vision Laser suitability self-test today Find out if eye surgery could work for you.