LASIK surgery has transformed millions of lives worldwide, offering freedom from glasses and contact lenses through a quick, virtually painless procedure. However, understanding what activities to avoid during your recovery period is crucial for achieving optimal results and protecting your investment in clearer vision.

Keep reading to learn more about what is not allowed after LASIK and when it’s safe to resume regular activities.

How Long Does LASIK Recovery Take?

While LASIK recovery is remarkably quick compared to other surgical procedures, your eyes still need some time to heal properly. The corneal flap created during surgery begins healing immediately, but complete visual stabilization takes several months.

During this critical period, certain activities can disrupt the healing process or introduce complications that could compromise your results. Most patients experience vision improvements within the first day after surgery, with many able to return to work and drive within 24 to 48 hours.

However, this rapid visual improvement doesn’t mean your eyes have fully healed.

What Restrictions Do I Need to Follow After LASIK?

After LASIK, your eye doctor will provide comprehensive guidelines about recovery, including:

Driving

Most patients can drive within 24 to 48 hours after LASIK once their vision has improved and they feel comfortable behind the wheel. Your LASIK surgeon will evaluate your vision at your next-day follow-up appointment and clear you for driving when appropriate.

Water-Related Activities

One of the most essential restrictions following LASIK involves exposure to water. Swimming pools, hot tubs, whirlpools, lakes, rivers, and oceans are strictly off-limits for a minimum of two weeks after your procedure.

Water bodies contain bacteria, chemicals, and other microorganisms that can cause serious infections in your healing cornea. Pool chemicals, such as chlorine, can also irritate your sensitive post-surgical eyes.

Even seemingly clean water sources can harbor harmful bacteria that pose significant risks during the initial stages of healing.

Exercise and Physical Activity Restrictions

For the first three days after LASIK, avoid all strenuous exercise and activities that cause excessive sweating. Sweat can irritate your eyes and increase the risk of infection if it drips into your eyes.

Light walking and gentle stretching are typically okay within the first few days, but avoid bending over frequently or any activity that increases blood pressure in your head. These actions can increase intraocular pressure and affect the healing corneal flap.

After the initial healing period, you can gradually return to moderate, non-contact exercise such as jogging, cycling, or using gym equipment. Contact sports pose the highest risk to your healing eyes and require the longest period of restriction.

Football, basketball, martial arts, boxing, wrestling, and similar activities are prohibited for at least one month following LASIK surgery. Even a minor impact to your face or head area could disrupt the corneal flap, requiring emergency intervention. When you do return to contact sports, consider wearing protective eyewear specifically designed for sports.

This added protection can help safeguard your vision investment for years to come.

Personal Care and Cosmetic Restrictions

Your daily routine will need some temporary adjustments during the first two weeks of recovery. Eye makeup, including mascara, eyeliner, and eyeshadow, should be avoided for at least two weeks.

These products can introduce bacteria near your healing surgical site and may require rubbing to remove, which could irritate your eyes. Similarly, lotions, creams, and other cosmetic products should be kept away from the eye area during the initial healing period.

Hair sprays, perfumes, and other aerosol products should be used cautiously to avoid irritating your sensitive eyes. When you resume using eye makeup, replace all products with new ones to eliminate any bacterial contamination that may have occurred during pre-surgery use.

Be gentle when removing makeup, and avoid any tugging or rubbing motions near your eyes.

Eye Protection While Outside

Your eyes will be more sensitive to light, wind, and environmental irritants during the LASIK healing process. Wear high-quality sunglasses with 100% UV protection whenever you’re outdoors, even on cloudy days.

Wind can cause excessive tearing and discomfort, so sunglasses also serve as a physical barrier against airborne particles and debris.

Sleep and Eye Protection Habits

Protecting your eyes while you sleep is crucial during the first week of recovery. Your surgeon will provide protective eye shields to wear while sleeping, which will prevent accidental rubbing or touching of your eyes during the night.

Continue wearing them for the whole recommended period, typically one week, even if your eyes feel completely normal.

Signs That Require Immediate Attention

While following activity restrictions significantly reduces your risk of complications, it’s important to recognize signs that require immediate medical attention. Contact Focal Point Vision immediately if you experience severe pain, sudden loss of vision, or persistent discharge from your eyes.

Minor discomfort, dry eyes, light sensitivity, and fluctuating vision are normal during the healing process. However, any symptoms that seem to be worsening rather than improving warrant evaluation.

Why Choose Focal Point Vision for Your LASIK Surgery?

At Focal Point Vision, we’re committed to supporting you throughout your entire LASIK journey. Our advanced iDesign 2.0 technology not only delivers superior surgical precision but also contributes to faster, more comfortable healing.

Our experienced LASIK surgeons, Dr. Kenneth Maverick, Dr. Josh Iltis, and Dr. James Lehmann, have guided countless patients through successful LASIK recoveries. We provide detailed post-operative instructions tailored to your specific procedure and lifestyle needs.

Ready to learn more about LASIK recovery or determine if you’re a suitable candidate for the procedure? Schedule your appointment at Focal Point Vision in San Antonio, TX, today!

What is Not Allowed after LASIK?