Sleeping after laser eye surgery: Can I sleep on my side after LASIK?LASIK has become a standard procedure for correcting vision problems. However, one of the things that you may be concerned about after the surgery is how to sleep and if you can sleep on your side after LASIK. Sleeping after LASIK can affect your healing process and the procedure’s outcome. This blog post will discuss the dos and don’ts of sleeping after LASIK and whether you can sleep on your side.What is LASIK?LASIK, which stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, is a popular surgical procedure for correcting vision problems. We create a thin flap in the cornea during the procedure using a microkeratome or a femtosecond laser. We then lift the flap and use a laser to reshape the underlying corneal tissue to correct our patient’s vision. After we reshape the cornea, we reposition the flap, and the eye can heal naturally. Creating the corneal flap is critical in the LASIK procedure as it allows for rapid healing and minimal discomfort. The flap protects the cornea’s surface, reducing the chance of infection and scarring and providing a more stable surface for the laser to work on. The LASIK procedure has proven to be a safe and effective1https://journals.healio.com/doi/abs/10.3928/1542-8877-20000301-07 way to correct vision problems, with millions of people worldwide having benefited from this procedure.Recovery after LASIKHealing times after LASIK surgery vary for each person, typically taking a few days to a week or more, depending on your body’s healing ability.To aid the healing process, follow these guidelines during the first few days after your surgery:Avoid strenuous activities that increase eye pressure, such as heavy lifting, exercise, and swimming.Sleep with eye protection, like eye shields, to prevent accidentally touching or rubbing your eyes while sleeping.After the initial days, you can sleep comfortably in any position that doesn’t involve rubbing your eyes. However, pay attention to any discomfort or irritation. If you experience any, return to sleeping on your back with your head elevated.Don’t forget to use prescribed eye drops diligently after LASIK surgery. They are essential for preventing infections and keeping your eyes properly lubricated, as your eye surgeon recommends.In conclusion, sleeping after LASIK surgery requires a little extra care and attention to ensure proper healing and achieve the best possible outcome. Remember to follow the instructions given by your eye surgeon, including using eye drops, to ensure smooth healing post-LASIK surgery. With these simple precautions, you can ensure a seamless and successful LASIK experience. Book a free assessment with us to find out more about LASIK surgery.Home » LASIK » Sleeping after laser eye surgery: Can I sleep on my side after LASIK? Search for: ARE YOU SUITABLE?Check your laser eye surgery suitability online with our free LASIK self-testTAKE SUITABILITY SELF-TESTOUR MOST POPULAR PROCEDURESLASIKSmartSightICLLens ReplacementPRKRefractive cataract surgeryFAQsWHAT OUR PATIENTS SAY…“Very friendly and professional staff. Dr Russell is extremely informative and has a really positive presence. The doctor and all of the staff ensured all my questions were answered fully. I left the surgery feeling as if I’d been really well cared for.”Suzanne Cooper“The staff are all friendly and helpful.”Alana Jenkins“Dr. Russell and the entire team should be commended for their genuine care and personal attention. They made every possible effort to explain and clarify the treatment required and made sure I was comfortable through the consultation treatment.”Xerxes Meher“I was very impressed with the way they run things. It is a well-oiled machine. Everyone knew exactly what they were doing and were very friendly. To top it off, my treatment was excellent.”Iris Van Quickelberghe“Dr. Russell is my hubby’s specialist for years. We love him. Such a kind person and always spends time to explain everything.”Zita Farczadi Kershaw“Highly recommended. They are always helpful and friendly and the outcomes have been beyond my expectations.”Brad Gooda“Many thanks for your care and skill and a big thanks to all your staff for their friendly care and professionalism shown each time I have visited.”Henry Ellison“My wife came to see Dr Russell today and we wanted to say thank you to all the staff for the kind and professional service. We are also extremely grateful for Dr Russell’s generosity when it came to us paying for the consultation. We wanted to reach out and say thank you so much!”Troy and Liana ToddWe have replaced the images of real patients who provided these testimonials to protect their privacy.DISCOVER IF YOU CAN BE FREE FROM GLASSES AND CONTACT LENSESThe best way to find out if eye treatment is right for you is to have an in-person assessment. You’ll get a clear answer from our experts on your suitability and vision correction optionsBOOK A FREE ASSESSMENTHi, I’m Dr. Matthew Russell, your laser and cataract surgery specialistHI I’M DR. MATTHEW RUSSELL YOUR LASER EYE AND CATARACT SURGERY SPECIALISTWith over 15 years of experience, I enjoy the privilege of helping patients of all ages reclaim clear vision or preserve it for as long as possible.Vision correction and high-precision cataract surgery hinge on the expertise and skill set of the provider who also has access to the most precise tools for the job. Ophthalmic surgeons like me know how to make treatment safe, comfortable and positive for the patient. They know how to minimise the risk of complications and maximise successful outcomes.I have a passion for helping my patients enjoy the clear, high-definition vision they need to live rich and active lives. Now, I have hand-picked a team of professionals that share my passion and commitment to exceptional care.Dr. Matthew RussellMBChB, FRANZCO MORE ABOUT DR. RUSSELL