How to Clean Eye Boogers After LASIK
How to Clean Eye Boogers After LASIK Many people who have undergone LASIK surgery notice an increase in eye boogers, also known as rheum. This phenomenon can be attributed to a variety of factors, including the body’s natural response to healing and potential dryness that sometimes follows this type of procedure. While not harmful in itself, it is essential for patients to manage these secretions carefully after surgery.
Cleaning eye boogers post-LASIK requires a delicate touch due to the eyes’ heightened sensitivity following this corrective vision treatment. Simple steps can be taken at home using clean hands and soft materials suitable for use around sensitive areas such as the eyes. It is equally important for patients to understand preventive measures they can take to decrease the occurrence of these secretions over time.
Why Do Eye Boogers Form After LASIK?
Eye boogers, scientifically known as rheum, are a common occurrence after any form of eye surgery, including LASIK. The body increases mucus production to help protect and heal the eyes post-surgery. This natural response results in an increased presence of these secretions that often harden into what we refer to as ‘eye boogers’. It’s a vital part of the healing process and should not cause alarm; however, it is essential to understand how to manage this increase in rheum effectively.
The formation of eye boogers can also be attributed to dryness following LASIK surgery. During the recovery phase from this corrective vision treatment, patients may experience temporary dry eyes due to changes in tear production or composition. This dryness can lead to an overproduction of mucus which subsequently forms into eye boogers when exposed to air for prolonged periods.
After undergoing LASIK surgery, maintaining good eye hygiene practices becomes even more crucial. Cleaning these secretions carefully without causing harm or discomfort requires knowledge about proper cleaning methods and materials suitable for use around sensitive areas like our eyes. Regularly performing appropriate cleaning routines helps ensure optimal post-surgery care and contributes significantly towards overall eye health.
Following preventive measures could further reduce occurrences of excessive rheum formation. Proper hydration plays a key role here – drinking ample water aids normal functioning of all bodily processes including mucus production; hence keeping yourself well-hydrated might keep your tears well balanced too! Supplementing with doctor-recommended artificial tears or lubricating drops could also provide relief from persistent dry-eye symptoms while preventing overproduction leading up-to hardened discharges.
Tips for Cleaning Eye Boogers
After undergoing LASIK surgery, you might notice an increase in the formation of eye boogers. This change is a natural reaction to the procedure and can be managed effectively with the right approach and care routine. The key lies in cleaning these secretions gently without causing damage or discomfort to your sensitive post-surgery eyes.
- Always start by washing your hands thoroughly. Clean hands are crucial when touching near your eyes to prevent infection.
- Use a warm compress over closed eyelids for about 5 minutes. This warmth helps soften any hardened eye boogers making them easier to remove.
- Softly wipe away softened secretions using a clean tissue or cotton swab, moving from the inner corner of the eye towards outwards.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes as this could irritate them further and may even lead to scratches on cornea.
- Keep hydrated as it aids normal tear production thereby reducing dryness that might cause excessive mucus formation.
Maintaining good eye hygiene post-LASIK is not only about how often you clean but also how safely you do so! Remember always to be gentle with your eyes during this healing phase – they’ve just undergone quite an adjustment! It’s all about balancing between keeping those peepers free from bothersome rheum accumulations while ensuring optimal comfort level throughout recovery process — both essential elements in effective post-surgery care after LASIK treatment!
Preventing Eye Boogers
While it’s natural to see an increase in the formation of eye boogers after LASIK surgery, there are preventive measures that can be taken to reduce their occurrence. These actions primarily involve maintaining a healthy tear film and minimizing dryness, which is often the root cause behind excessive rheum production. By taking these steps, you can help your eyes recover more smoothly from the procedure and ensure your comfort during the healing process.
Hydration plays a crucial role in preventing excess mucus formation that leads to eye boogers. Drinking plenty of water helps maintain hydration levels across all bodily functions, including tear production. A wellhydrated body supports balanced tear secretion, mitigating dryness and subsequently reducing
overproduction of discharge hardening into bothersome secretions – our so-called ‘eye boogers’. Therefore, increasing fluid intake is one simple yet effective step towards prevention.
Supplemental use of artificial tears or lubricating drops as recommended by your doctor could also aid in keeping eyes moisturized post-LASIK surgery. These products are designed to mimic real tears’ moistureretention properties effectively relieving symptoms associated with dry eyes such as irritation or discomfort while simultaneously decreasing occurrences of hardened discharges forming on awakening from sleep or prolonged periods without blinking!
Prioritizing restful sleep cannot be overstated! Sleep promotes optimal functioning for all organs including our eyes; hence ensuring adequate shut-eye allows them enough time for self-cleaning processes leading upto clearer vision upon waking hours without any unpleasant surprises lurking around corners!
Prevention is better than cure! So why wait until those pesky little secretions start causing discomfort? Start
practicing good eye hygiene today itself for smoother recovery following LASIK treatment while considerably cutting down on annoying morning-time rituals involving cleaning stubborn rheum off those beautiful peepers!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I have more eye boogers after LASIK surgery?
The increase in eye boogers, or rheum, is a natural response following any form of eye surgery including LASIK. It can be attributed to factors such as enhanced mucus production during the healing process and temporary dryness due to changes in tear composition.
How should I clean my eyes post-LASIK procedure?
Cleaning your eyes post-surgery requires care. Ensure your hands are thoroughly cleaned before you touch your eyes. Using a warm compress over closed eyelids helps soften the hardened secretions. Gently wipe away these softened substances using a clean tissue or cotton swab moving from inner corner towards outside direction of each eye.
What steps can I take to prevent formation of excessive rheum?
Preventing excess rheum involves maintaining healthy tear film and reducing dryness. Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water which aids balanced tear secretion thereby mitigating dryness; use doctor-recommended artificial tears or lubricating drops for additional moisture; prioritize good quality sleep for optimal organ functioning including self-cleaning processes within our eyes.
Can rubbing my eyes harm them after LASIK surgery?
Yes, it's essential not to rub your eyes especially right after undergoing LASIK surgery as it could lead to irritation, potential damage and even complications in some cases! If you feel discomfort always opt for gentle cleaning methods instead or consult with your ophthalmologist if symptoms persist.
