Before and After LASIK Eye Surgery
If you’ve decided to receive LASIK eye surgery, you’ll want to know what to expect before and after the procedure. This way, you can be fully prepared and don’t run into any surprises.
In the weeks leading up to the LASIK procedure, you will need to strictly wear glasses as opposed to contact lenses. This is because contact lenses can alter the shape of your cornea, which can lead to an inaccurate evaluation.
Before your procedure, you will visit your eye doctor for a final exam. Here, your doctor will rule out any signs of eye disease, dilated pupils, inflammation, and other concerning issues you may be experiencing. They will also measure the cornea to get an exact measurement for the LASIK procedure.
After the procedure, you may notice slight discomfort with symptoms like burning or itching. Likewise, you may also notice blurry vision, watery eyes, or sensitivity to light. Fortunately, these symptoms will subside in a few days, and you will have the crystal-clear vision you always wanted.
How Soon After LASIK Can I Drive?
Patients should never drive home following their LASIK eye procedure. That’s because your vision will likely be blurry, putting you and other drivers at risk. When scheduling your LASIK eye procedure, it’s best to make sure you have a trusted friend or family member who can drive you home following the appointment.
Within 24-48 hours, you should be able to safely drive again. However, it’s best to visit your eye doctor to make sure.
How Soon After LASIK Can I Wear Makeup?
When it comes to makeup, it is recommended that patients wait at least a week before applying any. This includes foundation and other face products.
Following a LASIK procedure, your eyes are extra sensitive and at a higher risk of infection. When makeup particles come in contact with your eyes, you could increase this risk. This is especially true with makeup products like eyeliner and mascara. That said, it’s always best to speak with your eye doctor to determine when you are able to start wearing makeup again.
How Soon After LASIK Can I Swim?
Patients should wait at least 2-4 weeks before swimming in pools, lakes, or hot tubs after their LASIK procedure. Chlorinated pools can cause damage to the film of your eyes, and lakes and other bodies of water may expose you to harmful bacteria. Once you are able to swim again, it’s recommended to wear goggles at all times to stay on the safe side.
It is completely okay to shower after your LASIK procedure. However, it’s important to avoid shampoos, soaps, and other products from getting into your eyes.
How Soon After LASIK Can I Workout?
While you may be eager to jump right back into your workout routine following LASIK, it is recommended to wait at least three months before engaging in any strenuous physical activity.
Indoor light exercises such as yoga, pilates, stretching, light weight lifting, walking, or the use of a stationary bike are okay the day following your procedure. Two days after the procedure, you may engage in moderate outdoor activities such as bike riding or a light jog. Five days following the procedure, you may attend group fitness classes like Zumba, Crossfit, or yoga, though it’s preferred you keep sweating to a minimum and wear protective eyewear if necessary.
Two weeks after your procedure, you may partake in sports and other outdoor activities like snowboarding, skiing, and swimming, so long as your eyes are protected from snow and other environmental elements.
After one month, you will be able to engage in water activities like scuba diving, and at three months, you will be fully able to go back to your normal workout routine without restrictions.
Are You a Candidate For LASIK? Find Out at Northeast Ohio Eye Surgeons
Are you someone who struggles with vision and is thinking a LASIK eye procedure might be the right choice for you? Well, our specialists at Northeast Ohio Eye Surgeons are here to help. For over 40 years, our award-winning doctors have been dedicated to giving patients the eye care they deserve.
Take advantage of our online LASIK Self-Test, and we will be able to determine if you are the right candidate for LASIK. You can also request an appointment for a complimentary LASIK evaluation to address all your needs and concerns.
Sources Cited
Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (2018) What should I expect before, during, and after surgery?, U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/lasik/what-should-i-expect-during-and-after-surgery
Lasik eye surgery (2021) Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/lasik-eye-surgery/about/pac-20384774
How soon after LASIK can I wear makeup? (2022) LASIK Vision Centers of Cleveland. https://www.lvclasik.com/how-soon-after-lasik-can-i-wear-makeup/
Mozayeni, R. (no date) When can I exercise after LASIK surgery?, Providence Eye. https://providenceeye.com/blog/when-can-i-exercise-after-lasik/
LASIK Frequently Asked Questions (no date) Frequently asked questions – LASIK – flaum eye institute – university of rochester medical center. https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/eye-institute/lasik/faq.aspx#howsoonaftercanisee/
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