What Should I Avoid Doing After LASIK?

LASIK eye surgery is a refractive surgery which utilizes laser technology to correct imperfections in your cornea. The procedure works wonders to improve vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, or presbyopia. If you have suffered from one of these refractive errors, you might be considering LASIK. You might also be wondering what to expect after surgery—more specifically, what you can’t do after LASIK surgery.

Although LASIK is a quick and relatively painless procedure that requires little downtime, patients need to take care to make sure the healing process is as fast and smooth as possible. Let’s take a look at some of the things you should refrain from doing after LASIK surgery below.

Swimming 

After eye surgery, you should avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, saunas, and other bodies of water like lakes and rivers for at least two weeks. After two weeks, we encourage you to wear goggles or keep your eyes closed under water if you decide to go for a swim. If water gets in your eyes before your cornea has healed properly, it can lead to irritation, dry eyes, and even infection.

Most importantly, you should consult with your eye surgeon before heading in the water for a dip. An experienced surgeon will track your healing process and let you know when you are good to go back into the water.

Exercise and Sports

You might be super excited about heading out for a jog or on to the basketball court without glasses after LASIK surgery, but it is important to let your eyes heal before partaking in strenuous activities. If you engage in contact sports or hard workouts, you should take a break for about one month. Not only can exercise and sports strain your eyes, sweat can cause irritation.

Applying Makeup

You will want to refrain from wearing makeup for at least one week after receiving LASIK surgery. Different types of eye makeup and tools can be loaded with bacteria, which can cause a serious infection. Until your eyes have a chance to heal, it is best to go all-natural. 

In addition to avoiding makeup use right away, you might want to consider replacing used makeup after your LASIK procedure. Not only does old makeup contain bacteria, it can cause you to rub your eyes which could damage the cornea and lead to poor vision — again. This is the perfect chance to embrace a fresh new look without glasses!

Phone and Computer Screens

We know looking at a computer, your smartphone, and the television can be a huge part of daily life, but you will want to minimize your screen time for 24-48 hours after LASIK. Different light wavelengths are emitted from screens and prolonged viewing can be damaging to even the healthiest of eyes. If you are in the LASIK healing process, it is especially important to limit your exposure to screens in the first few days.

UV Exposure

It was important to protect your eyes in the sun before LASIK, but it is even more crucial after your procedure. When heading outdoors — even on a cloudy day — you should equip yourself with a pair of high-quality sunglasses with 100% UV protection. This will protect your eyes from harmful light that can damage your healing eyes. 

Heal Faster after LASIK Eye Surgery with NeoVision

These helpful tips will keep you on track for a stellar healing process, but you should not hesitate to ask your LASIK surgeon questions if you have concerns. After LASIK, you will be scheduled for post-operative doctors visits to ensure you are healing as you should. Side effects can last weeks to months after LASIK, but the results are worth it.

Dr. Tandon is a highly trained and well-respected board certified Ophthalmologist and LASIK surgeon with over 18 years of experience. She is passionate about helping individuals get on track for better eyesight through vision correction services like LASIK.