What Are The Best Foods To Eat After LASIK?

The food that you eat impacts the health of your entire body. Your eyes are no exception; what you consume can help support your visual health. Keep reading to learn what foods might facilitate healing after blade-free, all-laser LASIK, and what foods rank among the best for continued eye health.

A Few Great Post-LASIK Foods

With some types of surgery, you can’t eat before or after your procedure. LASIK isn’t like that. Patients are encouraged to eat a light meal ahead of time and drink plenty of water. Eating right after LASIK is fine too, but try to consume healing foods. 

Some of the best things to eat after LASIK include:

• Protein: The amino acids found in protein are known to help with tissue regeneration and wound healing. Some great options include chicken, fish, eggs, beans, and nuts. Most fish also have high levels of omega-3 fatty acid, which is thought to improve dry eyes.
   
• Vitamins: Consuming the right vitamins can help with recovery. Specifically, studies have shown that vitamin C — also known as ascorbic acid — can speed up wound healing. You can take vitamin C pills, or consume foods such as sweet yellow peppers, kale, and kiwis which contain this powerful antioxidant.
   
• Healthy fats: Some fats are bad for you, but others are incredibly beneficial. Avocados, full-fat dairy, fatty fish, olive oil, dark chocolate, chia seeds, nuts, and seeds are good sources of healthy fat. You may be able to decrease inflammation by consuming these foods in moderation.
   
• Carbohydrates: Carbs provide glucose which is your body’s primary source of energy. Complex carbs, including whole grains such as brown rice and oatmeal, have nutrients that support your immune system. Avoid sugar, a refined carb that can cause you to feel fatigued.

Our laser vision correction surgeons tell their LASIK patients to return home after surgery and rest for the remainder of the day. For that reason, it’s a good idea to buy your healthy post-LASIK meal in advance.

The Top Foods for Eye Health

Once you achieve clear vision through LASIK, you’ll probably feel more motivated to protect your visual health. An easy way to do that is to eat foods that are good for your eyes. While eating well during your LASIK recovery is helpful, you will see the most significant benefit from making tiny changes to your everyday diet.

For example, leafy greens contain lutein and zeaxanthin, which are nutrients found in healthy eyes that may decrease your risk for age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. Studies suggest that a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acid can also reduce the risk of developing eye diseases. The same can be said about vitamin C.

Legumes contain zinc, which may protect your eyes from damaging light. Lastly, orange-colored fruits and vegetable contain beta-carotene, a nutrient that can support night vision. With these and other healthy choices available, it’s easy to find foods that support your eyes.

Schedule Your LASIK Consultation

Our laser vision correction surgeons are here to answer your questions about LASIK. Schedule your complimentary LASIK consultation by calling 916-485-2020 today.

At Griffin & Reed Eye Care, we have two locations in Sacramento and Roseville for the convenience of our Northern California patients. We proudly offer 20/20 Vision From Your LASIK Surgery Or Your Money Back to qualified patients.