If you’re considering refractive lens exchange or have recently undergone the procedure, you may be wondering when you can resume your regular fitness routine. Getting back to exercise is a top priority for many active patients, and the good news is that most people can gradually resume their activities within just a few weeks.

However, protecting your eyes during the initial healing period is essential for achieving the best possible results from your RLE procedure. Keep reading to learn the timeline for safely returning to different types of exercise after refractive lens exchange.

What Happens During RLE Recovery?

After refractive lens exchange, your eye needs time to heal properly. During the procedure, your ophthalmologist makes an incision in the cornea to remove your natural lens and replace it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). Although this incision is small, your eye still needs time to heal and stabilize.

Taking certain precautions during recovery helps prevent complications, such as infection or increased eye pressure. For example, activities that significantly raise your heart rate or involve bending over can temporarily increase pressure inside your eye, which may interfere with the healing process. Similarly, exposing your eye to water or allowing it to become dirty can introduce bacteria that could cause an infection.

The team at Focal Point Vision in San Antonio provides personalized post-operative care instructions tailored to your specific needs. Following these guidelines carefully helps ensure you achieve the clear, sharp vision you expect from RLE.

When Can I Start Light Exercise After RLE?

The day after your refractive lens exchange surgery, you can typically resume light aerobic activities, such as walking. These gentle movements are generally safe and won’t put stress on your healing eye. Walking is an excellent way to stay active during your initial recovery without risking complications.

Light exercise means activities that keep your heart rate relatively low and don’t involve jarring movements, bending over, or straining. Think of this as the perfect time to enjoy leisurely neighborhood walks or gentle stretching (while keeping your head upright).

When you do venture outside for walks or other light activities, make sure to wear wraparound sunglasses. Your eyes will be especially sensitive to light in the first few days and weeks after surgery. Sunglasses serve a dual purpose: they protect your healing eyes from bright sunlight and UV rays, and they also prevent dust, pollen, and other airborne debris from entering your eyes.

Guidelines for Resuming Moderate-Intensity Exercise after RLE

After approximately 7 to 10 days, most patients can resume moderate-intensity activities. This includes activities such as running, biking, playing tennis, or golf. By this point, your eye has begun to heal significantly, and the risk of complications from increased heart rate decreases.

This waiting period allows the initial healing to progress sufficiently so that normal blood pressure fluctuations from exercise do not negatively impact your vision correction results. Even so, you should ease back into your routine gradually rather than immediately jumping into intense workouts. Start with shorter sessions or lower intensity, then build back up to your normal level over several days.

If you experience any discomfort, excessive tearing, or changes in your vision during these activities, stop exercising and contact your ophthalmologist immediately. These symptoms are rare but could indicate that you need a bit more healing time before resuming that particular activity.

What About Weight Lifting and Strenuous Exercise?

For more strenuous exercises, such as heavy weightlifting and high-intensity interval training, you should wait closer to one month after your procedure. These activities cause larger spikes in your heart rate and blood pressure, which can significantly raise the pressure inside your eye.

You should also avoid lifting heavy objects in general during the first few weeks, even outside of the gym. This includes heavy grocery bags, furniture, or any other items that require significant straining. Additionally, avoid yoga poses or exercises where your head goes below your waist, as these positions temporarily increase eye pressure.

The one-month timeline gives your eye adequate time to heal and stabilize. After this period, you can typically return to your full exercise routine without restrictions.

The Dangers of Resuming Water Activities Too Soon

Water activities require the longest waiting period after refractive lens exchange. Plan to stay out of pools, hot tubs, lakes, oceans, and other bodies of water for at least two weeks. Some surgeons recommend waiting up to four weeks, depending on the specifics of your procedure and how your eye is healing.

Water can introduce bacteria and other microorganisms that may cause infection. Chlorinated pool water can also irritate your healing eye. Even if you wear goggles, there’s still a risk of water exposure, so it’s better to wait until your ophthalmologist gives you the green light.

You can shower the day after surgery, but take care to keep the stream of water from hitting your eye directly. Tilt your head back when washing your hair, and consider keeping your eyes closed. Some patients prefer to wear protective eyewear in the shower for the first week as an extra precaution.

Following Your Surgeon’s Specific Guidelines

Every patient’s recovery is slightly different, and your ophthalmologist may adjust these timelines based on your individual circumstances. Factors such as your overall health, the specifics of your procedure, and the rate of your eye’s healing all play a role in determining when you can safely resume various activities.

This is why attending your scheduled follow-up appointments is so important. Your eye doctor will examine your eye to ensure it’s healing properly and let you know if you can progress to more vigorous activities or if you need a bit more recovery time. Don’t hesitate to ask questions during these appointments about specific exercises or activities you’re eager to resume.

If at any point during your recovery you experience sudden vision changes, significant pain, increased redness, or discharge from your eye, contact Focal Point Vision immediately. While complications are rare, prompt attention can help address any issues quickly.

Get Back to Your Active Lifestyle Safely

Refractive lens exchange offers the exciting possibility of clear vision without glasses or contacts, and most patients can return to their full range of activities within just a few weeks. By following your surgeon’s activity restrictions and gradually increasing your exercise intensity, you protect your investment in better vision and ensure optimal healing.

Ready to learn more about refractive lens exchange and what recovery looks like? Schedule a consultation at Focal Point Vision in San Antonio, TX, today to discover if RLE is the right vision correction solution for you.

When Can I Exercise After Refractive Lens Exchange?