How Cigarette Smoke Affects LASIK Patients
The entire eye care team at our practice believes in helping the people of Springfield see the world in a different light. Thanks to advanced laser eye surgery procedures like LASIK, people are able to see fine without the need for prescription glasses or contact lenses. But seeing the world also means having a different outlook on your future. Sometimes getting LASIK can help put some other habits in life into perspective.
With this in mind, we would like to consider how cigarette smoke impacts LASIK patients, particularly after the surgery. It’s important that patients listen to our advice, since it can help avoid problems and improve the overall results of LASIK surgery.
Smoking Can Have a Negative Impact on LASIK Recovery
Smoking is bad for you, that’s a given. It can lead to cancer, lung disease, heart disease, and so many other health problems. What’s more, it can also have an adverse impact on you as you are healing. People who smoke are more prone to infection and tend to heal slower than non-smokers. Combining these issues could lead to serious problems after you have undergone LASIK surgery.
Potential Post-op Complications Linked to Smoking
As noted above, the primary complication to worry about is infection. Since it takes longer to heal after surgery, the risk of infection increases as you recover. While the surgical procedure is safer now than ever thanks to advanced technology, smoking while you heal can be the cause of a post-op complication, such as a corneal flap issue or corneal flap inflammation.
Eye Irritation and Other Smoking Side Effects
Apart from the risk of infection, smoking can exacerbate post-surgical side effects. Your eyes will be particularly sensitive after LASIK, and the smoke from cigars and cigarettes can be extremely irritating. This can cause your eyes to water or, if you experience dry eye after surgery, can lead to severe discomfort of the eyes.
Stop Smoking Before Your LASIK Procedure
Before you undergo LASIK, it’s important that you avoid cigars, cigarettes, and other tobacco products. This will help put your body in the best condition to recover quickly. Keep in mind that this is a common pre-op instruction given to all patients.
Do Not Smoke While You Are Healing
After LASIK, you’ll want to avoid smoking for a few weeks so your eyes can full heal. This is just playing it safe and making sure that you will not trigger any serious attacks of dry eye or major eye irritation.
A Good Excuse to Quit for Good
After undergoing LASIK, a number of people feel that it’s a good excuse as any to finally kick the habit for good. By quitting smoking, you avoid so may health problems and can really enjoy what the world has to offer.
If you need help quitting, we can provide you with information and direct your to resources that can help make this a reality.
Speak with a Laser Eye Surgeon
For more information about LASIK and how it can improve your vision and overall enjoyment of life, be sure to contact our laser eye surgery center today. The team here looks forward to your visit and discussing these issues in greater detail.