How soon can I be back on my iPhone/iPad

Some think the best thing we could do is take a little bit of time away from our smartphones and tablets. But there’s no doubt they play an indispensable part in modern day life.

I’ve always been one to pull a face when sitting in a cafe or taking a bus downtown and noticing that the majority of people have their heads buried in a screen. But after recently loosing my iPhone, I began to realise just how much I depended on the little plastic rectangle.

From setting an alarm and tracking sleep, to taking notes and using flashcards for learning, the number of apps available today make smartphones and tablets the most versatile and portable tools that have ever existed. Unfortunately, you can’t predict events such as loosing them or having them stolen, but there are a few other events which you can plan for. So instead of sleeping in and falling behind on revision, it’s important to be aware of and prepared for the no screen period following Laser Eye Surgery.

How long is the post-surgery no screen period?

The post-surgery no screen period is around a 24 hour time block which we advise patients to spend in a relaxed environment—at home or at least away from harsh lights and screens. This fits in with the standard aftercare routine in which patients take two days off work—the day of the surgery and the following day—using the time to rest and get used to their new vision and drop routine.

After this period there are several things to keep in mind if you return to frequent use of devices like iPhones or iPads. As starting at a screen can dry out your eyes, it’s recommended to gradually ease back into their use and to have the lubricated drops on hand for whenever you may need them.

This short period without screens is generally the case for those who have LASIK or ReLEx SMILE surgery. If you have LASEK surgery, plan to return to work after around a week.

The Post-Operative Timeline

In order to understand exactly what you are able and unable to do following Laser Eye Surgery, let’s take a look at the post-operative timeline starting with immediately post-surgery, to around 2 weeks later.

In this short video, Mr Glenn Carp provides an overview of a typical patient’s return to normal activity:

Immediately after surgery

• For the first few hours after surgery it’s advised to keep your eyes closed and take a bit of time to rest.
• Later in the day when you return to normal activity, be extra aware of anything that may harm your eyes, or activities that may lead to something getting in your eyes.
• Should you experience itching or dryness, avoid rubbing your eyes and instead use the lubricants drops provided.

24 Hours after surgery

• By this time you may need to have a wash. If possible, opt for a bath over a shower to avoid getting soap or tap water in your eyes.
• You can once again enjoy normal activities like reading, watching TV, and using your tablet or smartphone—again, keep the lubricant drops handy to prevent your eyes drying out.
• By now most patients are ready to return to work and start getting back into their normal daily rhythm.

48 Hours after surgery

• The healing of the cornea is now well underway—meaning you can get back to normal activities like showering and wearing makeup.

Day 3 activities

• By day 3 little more rest is needed and so you can do any exercise that doesn’t affect your eyes—jogging, lifting light weights, stationary cycling.
• Sports or activities which may cause something to get in or touch your eye—outdoor cycling, martial arts, etc.—should be avoided or done using the correct eye-wear.

In the grand scheme of things, going 24 hours without using your iPhone or iPad should be a piece of cake. But if you’re like me and depend on them to keep your life in order, then it pays to be prepared for a day or two without devices—even if that means breaking out the old pen and paper and getting the deafening twin bell alarm clock out of the cupboard.

If you’d like to book a consultation at London Vision Clinic, or find out more about the post-operative timeline, leave us a comment or give us a call us on 020 7224 1005.