How Long After LASIK Can I Play Video Games?
How Long After LASIK Can I Play Video Games?
Much like screen time, video games can be played as a way to wind down after a long day or hype yourself up after winning and advancing to the next level. The question arises as we wonder if screen time affects the healing process for LASIK or how long after LASIK can we play video games. But don’t you worry, you can enjoy playing video games after LASIK! The same goes for watching TV, scrolling on your phone, and resuming computer use after LASIK. Be cautious when utilizing your eyes when playing video games or having screen time because you may blink less frequently; which introduces some dryness to your eyes.
Playing Video Games After LASIK
In short, yes you can play video games after your LASIK eye surgery! Remember, it is recommended to wait at least 24 hours before doing so. Depending on how your eyes are reacting to the screen, it is important to listen to your body. Playing video games will not impede the healing process, but it is essential that you take breaks to rest your eyes. This also goes for people who don’t have any vision correction procedures. Overworking your eyes can result in headaches and eye fatigue. Just like with any other activity, using good judgment is essential for a smooth and speedy recovery for taking care of your eyes after LASIK.
Using My Computer After LASIK
Using a computer or laptop has become an everyday necessity, so there is absolutely no reason why you should not use your computer after LASIK! Just be mindful that your eyes are still healing after the LASIK procedure, so eliminate a couple of hours of screen time on top of the 24-hour waiting period between your procedure and seeing a screen. If your work or hobby requires a computer and you feel your eyes begin to strain or dry up, you can use the 20-20-20 rule. After looking at the screen for about 20 minutes, look away at something that is 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. Doing this will give your eyes a break and allow them to blink!
Watching TV After LASIK
You can watch TV after LASIK; but much like the usage of other screens, it is recommended to wait at least 24 hours after your LASIK procedure before binge-watching a show or movie. Watching TV is best than using your phone because not only are you distanced away from the TV, but the blue-light wavelength and LED (light-emitting diode) white-light wavelength are not as intense as a smartphone or tablet would be. This will not cause as much eye strain or eye damage as if you were to stare at a screen up close. Nonetheless, be conscious of how much light your eyes are receiving during your healing process.
Risks of Screen Time Too Soon
Of course, you would want the best vision after LASIK eye surgery, so why not take care of your eyes during your healing process? The beauty of sight comes with sacrifices, and those sacrifices mean putting your phone down more often during the first couple of days of your LASIK procedure.
If you watch TV, get on your phone, or work on your computer too soon after LASIK, it is likely that you are going to dry your eyes out even more. Because LASIK eye surgery causes your eyes to stop producing as many tears as they normally do, it is very important to use eye drops regularly to keep your eyes moist and prevent irritation. Another potential complication that can occur is the risk of eye strain. Your eyes are going to be sensitive for the first 24 hours after LASIK; and straining them too soon can negatively influence the healing time, meaning it will take longer for your eyes to heal.
The sensitivity to light after LASIK is common, as are visual disturbances like halos or starbursts around light for the first few days after surgery. But don’t fret as these side effects usually fade away in a couple of days! If you don’t expose yourself to potentially harmful lights, then congratulations! The healing period won’t be as long. But if you allow yourself to be exposed to bright, strong lights, the given side effects will persist for a period of time.
Treat your eyes as if they were to be newborn children and take great care of them! Your eyes will need time to adjust to their new, normal state after LASIK. It is best to wait at least one to two days after the procedure before spending time in front of a screen again.
Be sure to talk to one of our doctors about not only the benefits of LASIK, but also any risks of LASIK that may pertain to your individual needs and circumstances.