Aftercare for Laser Vision Correction: Foods You Should and Shouldn’t Eat Post-Surgery

Recovering from laser vision correction surgery goes beyond rest and medication; it involves nurturing your body with the right nutrients to enhance healing and protect your newfound vision.

This article examines the significance of mindful nutrition immediately after LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) surgery. It explores the foods that serve as allies in the healing process and those that warrant a cautious omission from one’s post-operative menu.

Nutrients Essential for Eye Health

A well-rounded diet, abundant in specific vitamins and minerals, plays a pivotal role in supporting eye health:

• Vitamin A: Vitamin A, also known as retinol, is essential for vision as it protects the cornea and conjunctiva (the covering on the white of the eye that helps lubricate your eye). Rich sources include leafy greens, sweet potatoes, and dairy products.
• Vitamin C: Found in abundance in citrus fruits, kiwi, and bell peppers, vitamin C prevents photo-induced oxidative damage to ocular tissues. It boosts the effectiveness of other antioxidants, like vitamin E, and protects the lens from light-induced damage.
• Vitamin D: It has anti-inflammatory powers and can also remodel the structure around your cornea, contributing to the overall health of your eyes. The best sources of vitamin D are the flesh of fatty fish and fish liver oils. Sunlight and vitamins can also help keep levels balanced.
• Vitamin E: This is another antioxidant hero, present in nuts and seeds. It wards off cellular eye damage.
• Zinc: This mineral fuels the production of melanin—a protective pigment in the eyes, with shellfish, nuts, and seeds being prime sources.
• Omega-3 fatty acids: Essential for combating dry eyes and age-related macular degeneration, these are plentiful in fatty fish, flaxseeds, and chia seeds.

Incorporating Essential Nutrients Into Your Diet

By including the following foods in your post-LASIK diet, you can naturally support healing and improve your visual health:

Whole Grains: A Nutrient-Rich Foundation

Whole grains, such as brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat products, can be beneficial due to their low glycemic index (GI). These foods help stabilize blood sugar levels, which is essential for maintaining the health of the retina and reducing the risk of macular degeneration.

Eggs: Protein-Packed Support

Incorporating eggs into your post-LASIK diet provides a dual benefit of protein and healthy fats. Beyond nutritional value, eggs contribute to tissue repair and regeneration. With antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, eggs offer extra protection for your eyes during recovery. 

When considering other protein sources, making wise choices is essential for post-laser vision correction nutrition. Opt for lean protein options such as fish, chicken, and turkey, as they not only deliver quality protein, but also bring additional nutrients that support optimal eye function. 

Prioritizing these protein sources facilitates healing and recovery while contributing to sustained eye health.

Citrus Fruits: Vitamin C Boost

Citrus fruits take centre stage in a diet aimed at accelerating recovery. Vitamin C, found abundantly in citrus fruits like oranges, limes, grapefruits, and lemons, plays a pivotal role in the healing process. 

It supports collagen formation, contributing to the integrity of the cornea and other eye tissues. Choosing natural sources of vitamin C over supplements ensures a holistic approach to recovery, fostering overall eye health in the post-LASIK period.

Leafy Greens: Antioxidant-Rich Guardians

Leafy greens, such as kale, broccoli, peas, and avocados, contribute antioxidants and pigments that combat eye aging. This dynamic combination helps lower the risk of prevalent eye diseases like cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Carrots: For Vision Wellness

Rich in vitamins A, C, and carotenoids, carrots provide a robust defence against potential threats to your vision. Whether enjoyed as a crunchy snack or incorporated into a variety of culinary creations, these nutrients work in harmony to protect the surface of the eyes, enhance night vision, and promote overall eye wellness.

Nuts: Nutrient-Rich Allies

Packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats, nuts offer a holistic approach to supporting vision and safeguarding ocular well-being. Almonds, walnuts, and cashews, among others, stand out as noteworthy sources of essential nutrients such as vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants. 

Including a variety of nuts in your diet can support heart health, improve brain function, and contribute to better eye health.

Foods to Sidestep After Laser Eye Surgery

By avoiding these detrimental foods, you actively participate in creating an environment conducive to optimal healing and sustained eye health after LASIK surgery. Informed dietary choices complement the medical care received during this critical recovery period.

Fatty Meats: A Culprit for Macular Health and Cholesterol

It’s wise to avoid red meat and processed meats high in saturated fats post-LASIK. These fatty options can spike cholesterol levels, potentially increasing the risk of macular degeneration. Opt for leaner protein sources to protect both your overall health and your eyes.

Junk Food

Limiting snacks like chips, cookies, and candy is crucial for post-LASIK recovery. Unhealthy fats in these foods can impact vision negatively. Making thoughtful choices about snacking supports a healthier healing process.

Sodium-Rich Foods: Affecting Blood Pressure

Sodium-rich foods, like sugar, can negatively affect blood pressure, leading to potential complications in the recovery phase. Avoid preserved and processed foods such as chips and canned goods to maintain optimal eye health.

Red and Processed Meats: Inflammation Inducers

Red and processed meats are known to trigger inflammation and can contain high levels of sodium. Post-LASIK, reducing consumption of these meats to prevent inflammation and support your body’s healing process is beneficial.

Fried Foods: Adverse Effects on Vision and Circulation

The molecular changes in oils when heated for fried foods can have adverse effects on overall health, including vision. These foods not only impede blood circulation, but can also lead to blurry vision. 

Staying away from fried foods is a proactive step in supporting the recovery process, and ensuring the clarity and vitality of your eyes post-LASIK.

Sugar: Managing Blood Sugar for Ocular Wellness

Avoiding sugar-rich foods is crucial post-LASIK surgery. These foods can increase blood pressure, potentially impacting eye pressure and causing inflammation. 

Steer clear of honey, packed juice, soda, candies, and pastries to facilitate a smoother recovery. Managing sugar intake contributes to stable blood sugar levels, thus promoting ocular wellness during recovery.

Expert Advice and Additional Tips

To facilitate a speedy recovery after LASIK surgery, specialists recommend the following:

• Protect your eyes: Wear sunglasses and a hat outdoors to shield your eyes from the sun.
• Combat dry eyes: Keep liquid tears on hand to prevent dry eye discomfort.
• Hygiene matters: Opt for baths instead of showers, paying attention to the eye area. Avoid wearing eye makeup.
• Environmental awareness: Steer clear of smoky, dusty, or extremely dry environments to prevent irritation or dry eyes.
• Hands off: Refrain from rubbing your eyes, as this can interfere with the healing process.

Beside the role of nutrition in improving results for laser vision correction procedures, nutrition has significant impact on age-related eye diseases unrelated to daily surgical interventions.

Of particular note is its impact on age-related macular degeneration (AMD)—the primary cause of vision loss among individuals aged 55 and above, impacting around 2.5 million Canadians. Consequently, by making informed dietary choices, you can contribute to a faster recovery and enhance your eye and general body health.

Every individual’s recovery is unique, and dietary adjustments should complement professional medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice tailored to your health history and recovery needs.

Your Journey to Optimal Vision Starts With Clearview Vision Institute

Laser vision correction enables individuals reliant on prescription eyewear to enjoy life with little to no need to wear glasses or contact lenses and experience the vexations they cause. 

At Clearview Vision Institute, we offer laser vision correction to address visual impairments such as astigmatism, nearsightedness, and farsightedness. For personalized guidance and comprehensive eye care, contact us by calling 1-647-493-6371 or contact us here.