Why Winter Might Be the Best Time for Your LASIK Surgery

LASIK surgery takes less than 30 minutes with a relatively short recovery period but did you know that getting it done during winter could have more advantageous for you in terms of healing? 

Winter is a time when there is less dust and harsh UV lighting — climate conditions that could aggravate some of the uncomfortable post-operative aspects of LASIK surgery. In this article, we’ll discuss exactly why, considering the risks associated with LASIK surgery compared to other seasons.

General LASIK Surgery Risks

LASIK is a procedure with minimal risks and a 99% success rate. In fact, Dr. Manger’s own track record is above the average with 99.7% of patients seeing 20/20 or better after LASIK. Whatever little risks it comes with, however, can be mitigated with simple interventions. Doing so requires certain conditions to be met consistently.

In the case of LASIK surgery, winter provides almost near-perfect conditions for recovery and risk mitigation.

But to understand that, you must first be aware of the risks. 

1. Dry eyes. LASIK surgery temporarily disrupts the tear film of your eyes. This disruption is managed with the use of lubricating eye drops as the tear production returns to normal over time.
2. Infections. Any surgery can introduce the risk of infections. However, the risk of LASIK surgeries is close to zero as it is considered a non-invasive procedure that deals with only the very top layer of tissue on the eye. Medicated eye drops are used during the recovery to prevent infection.
3. Under and over corrections. At times, LASIK surgery might not ideally correct your vision as a result of removing too little or too much corneal tissue. In this case a top-up procedure may be recommended.
4. Glare and halos. Some patients may experience glare or halos around lights at night following LASIK surgery, an effect that decreases as they heal and one which does not keep them from driving at night in the meantime.
5. Flap complications. There is a risk that the corneal flap created during the surgery may be dislodged if a patient accidentally rubs or touches their eye after surgery. This situation can be corrected with a secondary procedure to smooth the flap back down.

The benefits of LASIK surgery are well-documented. However, understanding its risks is crucial in the context of LASIK surgery recovery and accompanying measures to speed it up. With it, you can tailor your environments and lifestyle to encourage faster healing, even outside the hospital.

Winter’s Advantages on LASIK Surgery Risks

The recovery period for LASIK surgery is shorter than for most procedures. In fact, you will already experience better vision within 24 hours of the operation. Nonetheless, complete healing may take longer if you are exposed to certain factors.

Harsh UV light, irritants, and physical activity can all delay your recovery and exacerbate post-op symptoms like dry eyes and swelling. Thankfully, the winter climate offers several key advantages that make it an ideal time for undergoing and recovering from LASIK surgery:

1. Reduced UV Exposure Lessens the Risk of Damage

Your eyes may be slightly sensitive to light after your operation. Exposure to harsh UV light after your operation not only causes discomfort but might also aggravate glares and halos.

For added protection, your doctor will recommend wearing protective eyewear for a few days after your surgery to help you with this. However, avoiding exposure during post-op recovery is still important as UV rays can impede the healing process by aggravating the eyes.

In that regard, winter’s shorter and less sunny days versus spring and summer naturally reduce your exposure to harsh UV light, providing a great advantage. Although you will still need to wear your protective eyewear during this time, the lesser exposure to UV light is beneficial overall.

2. Minimized Exposure to Allergens and Irritants

During winter, there is no pollen — an irritant that commonly gets into your eyes and is abundant during spring. Irritants entering the eyes delay recovery in their own right. Additionally, however, there is a greater risk for infections when this happens.

Furthermore, colder weather also discourages outdoor activities, reducing exposure to dust and wind-blown debris that could irritate the eyes. Clean air benefits your healing process; try to stay indoors and avoid dusty environments after undergoing LASIK surgery.

Spring brings with it high pollen counts, notorious for irritating the eyes and triggering allergic reactions such as itching, excessive tearing, and discomfort that can deter the healing of your eyes.

Cooler Temperatures Provide Comfort

Cooler weather is advantageous for healing as it prevents excessive sweating and reduces the chances of rubbing the eyes. Touching or rubbing the eyes post-surgery can lead to complications such as infections or displacement of the corneal flap created during the LASIK procedure.

By scheduling LASIK during the winter, you can leverage these environmental and climatic conditions, which naturally align with the need for a quick and comfortable recovery period. This strategic timing helps mitigate common post-surgical risks, enhancing the overall success and ease of recovery from LASIK surgery.

Final Thoughts

Considering the timing of your LASIK surgery, it’s essential to weigh these seasonal benefits alongside your schedule. 

Winter offers unique advantages that can enhance your recovery experience. Still, individual circumstances such as work commitments, personal health, and lifestyle should also play a significant role in your decision-making process. Consulting with a LASIK specialist can provide tailored advice based on your specific needs and help you choose the best time for your surgery, ensuring optimal results and a comfortable recovery.

Remember, the goal of LASIK surgery is to improve your vision and ensure that the process is as smooth and effective as possible. Considering the seasonal factors discussed, it can significantly influence your surgery experience, making winter an attractive option for many looking to enhance their eyesight with LASIK.

To learn more about how seasonal factors can influence your LASIK surgery and recovery, feel free to contact the Saddleback Eye Center team. We’re here to help you recover as quickly as possible.