I’m wondering if LASIK makes my eye more susceptible to eye infections during the healing period. For instance, could getting lake water, etc. in my eye now (6 weeks post op) cause an infection?

stacy- it would be very unlikely to get an infection this late after surgery unless there were a scratch on the surface of the eye. still, if there is any unusual burning or blurring of vision, don't wait, and go see you surgeon right away.

debra tennen, md
agoura hills, ca

This is an excellent question. Infections after LASIK or PRK are very
rare, but can occur. Remember, the LASIK flap is a potential source of entry
of bacteria or other microbes. We, at our laser center, recommend that our
patients use an antibiotic (in our case, ofloxacin) 4 times a day for two
days prior to surgery, and we place a drop of ofloxacin in their operative
eye (or eyes) beginning 30 minutes prior to the LASIK procedure as well. A
drop of this antibiotic is also placed inside the flap right before it is
replaced over the cornea. The patients use this antibiotic for 7 days after
the procedure. We recommend NO swimming for at least 2 weeks post LASIK or
PRK. I think that at 6 weeks post LASIK , your flap has healed well enough
that the chance of infection would be exceedingly low.
Vincent de Luise MD FACS
Waterbury, CT