What to do after laser surgery

[HT123]

I recently had the Laser eye surgery because of Lattice Degeneration on the peripheral of my eye and some small tears that were starting to from in my left eye.  I'm young, only 28, and have pretty bad vision, -10.5 in my left eye.  Ten days after my surgery I started seeing flashes in my left eye in my peripheral vision.  The lights start on the bottom part of my vision and arch and move upward.  I went to see my retinal specialist who preformed the laser treatment for a second time on that eye two weeks after the first time.  He told me that if the flashes stop and start again to give him a call but not to worry if they continue.  The flashes have not stopped at all.  I see them all the time, probably a couple times a hour.  Should I be worried and persistent to see the doctor again?  It was hard enough getting them to believe that I was seeing flashes in the first place and get the second appointment.  
My doctor also told me no heavy lifting for 10 days and that I can return to my normal activities.  I dont think he understands that Im extremely active and enjoy running, mountain biking, rock climbing and snowbaording every day.  Should I be worried about being shaked, like going down a hill really fast on your bike tends to shake you. Will I be able to have my lifestyle back?  
I dont feel like I was given complete answers of what is normal and what to expect after surgery (flashing light) or a list of things that I should and should not do.  Do you have any help?

[Joan M Pernoud, MD]

The flashing lights are related to the fact that your vitreous gel is extra sticky to your retina and when the gel in your eye jiggles, the strong attachment stimulates your retina and this causes light flashes. The more you "jiggle" the more it will happen and if there is an extra sticky attachment, you could get a retinal break and secondary retinal detachment which can blind you if untreated. You are at higher risk than average because of your near-sightedness and lattice degeneration. You should limit your activities as your doctor recommends until the symptoms diminish which they probably  will in several months. Try to be patient. Also, follow up with your doctor as directed and bring a list of questions with you so you remember what your questions are.

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

Flashes means there is continued vitreous traction.  Laser treatment takes about two to four weeks to completely seal the tear.  

I would ask your retinal specialist about activities.  I tell my patients to refrain from a lot of reading and physical activity during the healing time.