Foods You Should Eat And Avoid After Lasik Eye Surgery

Recovery days, weeks, and months after surgery are significantly affected by the food we eat after the procedure. Eating the correct food after LASIK eye surgery can promote healing and reduce the risks of developing related complications.

The article will explain why certain foods should be eaten or avoided following LASIK eye surgery.

Foods To Eat After LASIK

Protein-rich foods

Protein-rich foods are known to benefit the whole body, including the eyes. More than 10,000 proteins make up the human body and facilitate body activities. Proteins play a critical role in energy and oxygen provision in the cells. They also play a vital role in the body’s immunity and cell rejuvenation.

Patients recovering after LASIK can benefit from protein as it rejuvenates cells, blood vessels, and veins speeding the recovery. The best proteins to consume after the procedure are fish in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) (omega-3 fatty acid) like salmon, albacore tuna, mackerel or oysters, organic chicken, eggs, nuts like almonds and seeds like wheat germ and beans.

Fish with prominent levels of omega-3 fatty acid is also thought to play a role in chemical regulation that produces oil to lube the eyes while reducing inflammation and limiting complications such as dry eyes.

Vitamin-rich foods

Vitamin-rich foods containing vitamins A, C, and E and carotenoids have been noted to have numerous effects on the body. The vitamins have been shown to boost the metabolic function of cells and tissues in the body, protect against reactive oxygen species and boost immunity.

In the metabolic pathways, vitamins C can speed up wound healing, slow eye aging, and reduce the risk of developing cataracts.

In the immune system, it plays a role in the function of the innate T-cell mediated immune response and adaptive antibody responses that fight infections. After LASIK, infections are a possible complication; therefore, vitamins play a role in recovery and healing.

Vitamin-rich foods are but are not limited to citrus fruits such as oranges or tangerines, green leafy vegetables such as kale or spinach, carrots, red bell peppers, berries, tomatoes, and milk. Additionally, individuals can also take vitamin supplements as prescribed by a physician.

Carbohydrate-rich foods

Carbohydrates are the body’s primary sources of energy and promote healing. Carbohydrate-rich foods are bananas, oats, whole wheat, buckwheat, rice, and quinoa. However, patients should avoid sugar.

Healthy fat-rich foods

Fats are associated with poor health outcomes; however, some healthy fats have vital roles in the human body. Healthy fats lower cholesterol levels while reducing inflammation.

Healthy fats can be categorized as saturated fats (fatty acids without double bonds) and unsaturated (fatty acids with at least one double bond).

Saturated fats are found in avocado, coconut oil, dark chocolate, eggs, and full-fat dairy products such as butter, ghee, cheese, and milk. Unsaturated fats are found in nuts such as almonds and fish and healthy oils such as olive oil.

Saturated and unsaturated fats should not be confused with trans fats (fats with added hydrogen molecules) found in processed foods.

Water

Water plays a key role in all body functions, including eye health. Water is a major part of the tears and other components that keep the eye healthy and lubricated. Basal tears (basic functional tears that release continuously) contain water with electrolytes such as calcium, chloride, bicarbonate, sodium, magnesium, and potassium. The electrolytes give tears their salty taste.

Water should be a vital part of the diet as it plays a key role in eye health while reducing the chances of dry eye.

Foods To Avoid After LASIK

Sugar-rich foods

After LASIK surgery, one should avoid sugar-rich foods. Sugar-rich foods are commonly associated with a spike in blood pressure that can increase pressure in the eyes. Sugar-rich drinks such as soda and other sweetened beverages are linked with increased inflammation.

Increased blood pressure and inflammation can hinder recovery, increasing the healing period and thus increasing the risks of developing complications. Common foods to avoid are honey, packed juice, soda, candies, and pastries.

Deep fried foods

Saturated and unsaturated foods can play a role in healing and reducing inflammation; however, trans fats induce inflammation and slow healing. Furthermore, the frying process destroys most of the other healthy nutrients, such as vitamins, reducing their benefits.

The most common trans-fat in deep-fried foods is refined vegetable oil. Therefore, French fries and other fried foods are also associated with inflammation. Other foods rich in harmful fats are margarine, shortening, and lard.

Deep-fried foods are also likely to contain high levels of sugar or sodium that slow down healing and induce inflammation.

Sodium rich foods

Like sugary foods, sodium-rich foods can negatively affect blood pressure. Aside from causing a spike in blood pressure, they can also trigger various health abnormalities that can negatively affect eye health.

Some sodium-rich foods to avoid include preserved foods, processed foods like chips or crisps, and canned foods.

Processed sugar-rich and sodium-rich foods are also likely to contain trans fats and preservatives that alter body functions, increasing the chances of affecting eye health. Examples are packed popcorn, packed biscuits, burgers, pizza, and cookies.

Red meat

Red meat (such as burgers and steaks) and processed meat (such as hot dogs and sausage) are connected to inflammation. They also contain high levels of sodium. Therefore, recovering patients should hold off on eating at barbecues for a while.

A Final Observation

Foods rich in proteins, vitamins, carbohydrates, and healthy fats promote healing and reduce inflammation after LASIK eye surgery. In contrast, sugar-rich, sodium-rich, and processed foods may reduce overall health and induce inflammation.

Eating healthy foods allow faster recovery with less likelihood of developing complications associated with LASIK eye surgery. Eating healthy promotes eye and general body health, which is vital to recovery. You should consult a dietician or eye surgeon for advice on healthy eating after LASIK eye surgery.

We have experienced specialists who can clear you for LASIK, perform the surgery, and follow up on recovery. Therefore, book your appointment when you need more information on LASIK surgery and the recovery process.