LASIK surgery is one of the most popular types of laser eye surgery and it offers patients the chance to see clearly without glasses or contact lenses. There are some standard recommendations and wait times on certain activities that you can use as a guide to understanding what to expect with work and activity restrictions following your LASIK procedure.
Operating a Vehicle
After LASIK eye surgery, blurry vision is expected so you will need someone to drive you home. You will NOT need someone to drive you to the postoperative checkup scheduled the day after your LASIK procedure. During your postoperative visit, your vision will be checked. Then, one of our doctors will look at your eyes through the slit lamp to make sure the healing process is going smoothly.
Bathing and Showering
You’ll be able to bathe or shower the day after surgery. Take precautions not to get soap or water in your eyes for at least a week during your LASIK surgery recovery. If you do get soap in your eye, rinse your eye out with medicated eye drops and call your eye doctor if you experience severe pain that persists.
Swimming
Freshwater carries the risk of infection, and chlorine and salt pool water carry the risk of eye irritation. Spas and hot tubs are also not friendly for healing after LASIK because bacteria thrives in hot water environments. You’ll want to avoid these water activities for at least 2 weeks during the LASIK eye surgery recovery process.
Applying Eye Makeup
To avoid irritating your eyes, it’s ideal to wait about seven days postoperative to resume wearing eye makeup. While you wait, take the opportunity to replace all your old mascara, eyeliner, eye shadow, primers, and open-jar creams. With use, makeup can harbor microorganisms that can cause bacterial eye infections. Replacing all old eye makeup and open-jar facial lotions reduces the risk of infecting your healing eyes with contaminated products.
Exercise
Wait a few days postoperative to resume your normal exercise routine. As your eyes continue to heal over the next two to six weeks, you’ll want to take precautions to keep sweat from running into your eyes. Keep a towel nearby and invest in a good sweatband for your head. Contact sports will also have to be avoided for up to six weeks.
Return To Work
Most patients can go back to work as soon as the next day after LASIK. If you work in an unclean, dusty, dirty, or outdoor environment, your LASIK surgeon may recommend more time off.
Right after the LASIK procedure, your eyes may feel a little dry, especially if you spend most of your workday behind a computer screen, driving, reading paperwork, or otherwise visually focused. You’ll want to use artificial tears or lubricating eye drops over the next few weeks to reduce dryness, and remember not to rub your eyes for at least two weeks postoperative.
Schedule a LASIK Consult for Detailed Information
Of course, these are general guidelines on what activity and work restrictions may follow LASIK. During your initial LASIK consultation, your eye surgeon can provide a more comprehensive and individualized list of information on what activity and guidelines will accompany your LASIK recovery. Contact Campus Eye Group today for a consultation with one of our LASIK experts.
