Are you about to undergo eye surgery to get rid of your glasses? Did you know that after the procedure, it is recommended to wear sunglasses and protective glasses? We explain why and, above all, which glasses to wear after eye surgery !
Refractive surgery: what is it?
Well, we suspect that if you clicked on this link, it's because you have an idea on the subject. But, to be sure, we'll make a little summary.
The term refractive surgery covers a set of eye surgical procedures that correct refractive errors : myopia, presbyopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. The goal: to no longer need to wear corrective glasses or contact lenses .
The most commonly used method is laser eye surgery (LASIK, PKR or SMILE) which will modify the curvature of the cornea depending on the desired correction. Much less invasive and more precise than the operations performed a few years ago with corneal incision, the laser allows for faster recovery with good healing .
Provided of course that you follow a few essential tips in the days following the operation!
Why wear glasses after surgery?
Although it is a temporary measure, wearing protective eyewear and sunglasses after refractive surgery is essential.
After laser treatment to correct myopia, presbyopia, hyperopia or even astigmatism, you will need to wear protective glasses, corrective glasses, or both, for several reasons:
- Protect your eyes from dust and wind : after surgery, your eyes will necessarily be more sensitive and will need to be protected day and night. It is a bit restrictive, of course, but essential for good healing.
- Reduce sensitivity to light: common after surgery, photophobia is a discomfort that can be limited by wearing sunglasses or glasses with amber lenses.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes (especially at night) : one of the most common side effects after this type of operation is the feeling of eye irritation. You will probably feel tingling and itching and the challenge will be to not rub your eyes ! Wearing protective glasses (or just goggles) can also help you.
- Protect your eyes from UV rays : You must avoid ultraviolet rays at all costs after laser eye surgery! Indeed, UV rays can slow healing, cause inflammation and the appearance of scar tissue on the cornea . This is called corneal haze or corneal opacity causing blurred and veiled vision. Sunglasses are therefore essential for several months outdoors after such an operation.
- Reduce visual effort and exposure to blue light : to avoid visual fatigue, it is recommended not to strain your eyes too much, especially when reading or working on a screen. A pair of anti-blue light glasses is ideal when you start exposing yourself to screens again, and even before.
- Ensuring the transition with residual correction : you will not necessarily see 100% clearly right after the operation, especially if it is a progressive presbyopia after 40 years. In all cases, there will be an adaptation period where your vision will fluctuate, where it may be necessary to compensate for residual over-correction or under-correction. In these cases, your ophthalmologist will prescribe corrective lenses adapted to ensure the transition.
Sunglasses or post-op glasses?
Well, it can be both. And obviously, it would be best to have one pair to do everything, depending on how far the healing has progressed.
- Post-op glasses : For the first few days after surgery, you will probably find yourself wearing fairly thick eye protection glasses, sometimes with an adjustable headband to keep them in place at night. Coverage, but not necessarily comfortable! They are designed for post-op recovery, but you can switch to lighter glasses quickly if you wish.
- Sunglasses : they will be essential outdoors (or even indoors depending on your sensitivity)! Choose a pair of glasses with effective UV protection , ideally category 3. The ideal: a solid and lightweight model, made of polycarbonate for example, polarized or anti-blue light lenses, with an anti-reflective treatment.
- Amber lens glasses : perfect for reducing eye fatigue, glare and exposure to blue light indoors. A good alternative in the evening when you no longer need protection against UV rays.
➡️ To give you a concrete example, a member of the Horus X team recently went through this. And at each post-operative stage, we had a perfectly adapted model! The shock combo: urban sun during the day + urban amber in the evening, to protect the eyes from the sun, UV, glare or even blue light. And after a few days (or weeks) of adequate protection, we can continue with anti-blue light glasses: in our example, the Ushaïa , perfectly indicated to rest the eyes and protect them from external aggressions.
Eye protection: our advice after refractive surgery
Ok, as we have seen, wearing a pair of glasses with a good level of filtration (UV, blue light, bright light, etc.) is the basis for visual recovery during the first weeks following laser surgery.
But to be complete, we will not forget some essential gestures to take care of your eyes post-op:
- 🙏 Don't force it, rest your eyes regularly : after such an operation, you will necessarily have to take it easy.
- 💧 Put eye drops : artificial tears will be essential to take care of your irritated eyes. Instilling eye drops will allow the eye to stay moist and avoid discomfort while promoting healing.
- 🩺 Obviously, see your specialist according to the established consultation schedule or for any questions!
The final word: what pair of glasses after eye surgery?
- Refractive surgery is a laser eye operation to correct myopia, presbyopia, astigmatism or hyperopia. This type of intervention, commonly performed, is minimally invasive, quick and precise.
- There are nevertheless some rules to follow after laser eye surgery to avoid complications : put in drops to prevent dry eyes, rest your eyes regularly and above all wear glasses with UV protection and tinted lenses.
- Indeed, the eyes after such surgery are more sensitive to light. In addition, good UV filtration is always recommended to avoid poor healing of the cornea.
- Our recommendation: 100% anti-UV, anti-blue light, anti-glare sunglasses to protect your eyes from sunlight. And in the evening, to prolong the protective effect, anti-blue light glasses with amber lenses. If you want to be sure to opt for quality at the best price for your little peepers, check out our collections of anti-UV sunglasses and glasses with amber lenses .