Recommended Resources for Recovery

1. 1

   Wraparound sunglasses with full UV protection

   Light sensitivity is normal in the first days after surgery. A comfortable wraparound pair shields the healing eye from glare and wind outdoors — and you'll keep wearing them for general eye health long after.

2. 2

   Preservative-free artificial tears

   Surgery temporarily disrupts the eye's surface, so grittiness and fluctuating vision from dryness are common in the first weeks. Preservative-free drops (single-use vials) are the gentlest option — ask your surgeon which type they prefer.

3. 3

   Protective eye shield / sleep mask

   Your surgeon will give you a shield to wear at night for about a week — nighttime rubbing is unconscious and forceful. If the provided one is uncomfortable, a molded sleep mask designed for eye protection is a good backup.

4. 4

   Reading glasses (multipack)

   If your lens is set for distance, you will reach for readers for books, phones, and menus. A cheap multipack in a couple of strengths covers you until your final prescription settles a few weeks after surgery.

5. 5

   Nearsighted (myopic) glasses — bridge pair

   If your surgeon targeted you for near (around −2.00), inexpensive myopic glasses for distance can tide you over comfortably until your actual prescription is measured. Example linked — match the strength to your target and confirm with your surgeon.

6. 6

   Ocusoft lid wipes

   If your surgeon recommended lid hygiene for blepharitis prior to surgery, preservative-free lid wipes make the routine simple. Only if recommended — ask at your pre-op visit.

7. 7

   Bruder heated eye mask

   For meibomian gland dysfunction or blepharitis, surgeons often recommend warm compresses before surgery. A reusable heated mask holds warmth far longer than a washcloth. Ask your surgeon whether this applies to you.

8. 8

   Soft silicone tape for the eye shield

   The nighttime shield only works if it stays put. Soft silicone tape is gentle on skin and peels off without tugging — much kinder than regular medical tape around the eye.

Disclosure: links on this page are Amazon affiliate links. If you buy through them, this site may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — it helps keep this educational content free.