LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a precise refractive surgery that uses a laser to reshape the cornea and correct vision impairments. Because this procedure requires absolute accuracy and a sterile environment, the direct answer to whether you can have LASIK with a cold, flu, or active respiratory infection is no. Any systemic illness requires the elective procedure to be postponed to prioritize patient safety and the optimal outcome. The medical team will always err on the side of caution to minimize potential complications.
Why a Cold Poses a Risk During the Procedure
The success of LASIK depends heavily on the patient’s ability to remain perfectly flat and still during the laser treatment. Involuntary physical movements caused by respiratory symptoms present a significant threat to the procedure’s precision. A sudden cough, sneeze, or even a deep throat clearing can cause the head to shift dramatically on the operating table.
Modern laser systems feature advanced eye-tracking technology that can pause the laser upon detecting large movements. However, this sudden interruption is not ideal during the delicate process of corneal reshaping. Any unexpected movement carries the potential to compromise the flap creation or the laser ablation profile, which could lead to complications like an irregular astigmatism.
An active cold or flu also introduces a heightened risk of contamination to the sterile surgical field. Coughing or sneezing expels viral particles and bacteria into the air and onto surrounding surfaces. The transfer of pathogens from the respiratory system to the newly operated eye significantly increases the chance of a postoperative infection, potentially leading to serious conditions like microbial keratitis.
Symptoms That Require Postponement
Specific manifestations of illness mandate the cancellation of LASIK because they directly interfere with procedural safety protocols. Severe nasal or sinus congestion is a common reason for postponement, as it makes breathing difficult when lying flat beneath the laser. If a patient cannot comfortably breathe through their nose, involuntary gasping or repositioning can compromise head stability.
Persistent coughing or sneezing is also a contraindication for surgery. These symptoms cause abrupt, forceful movements of the head and body that can exceed the limits of the laser’s tracking capabilities. The force of a sneeze or cough can potentially shift the eye’s position relative to the laser, which must be avoided.
A fever indicates an active systemic infection and heightened immune response, requiring immediate postponement. Undergoing elective surgery while the body is fighting a fever-inducing virus can strain the immune system and delay the normal healing process. The presence of a fever is a definitive sign that the medical team will cancel the procedure to ensure optimal recovery.
Distinguishing a Cold from Allergies
Patients often confuse cold symptoms with severe seasonal allergies, but the distinction is important for determining if surgery can proceed. Allergies are a non-contagious immune response to environmental triggers and do not involve a viral or bacterial infection. While allergies cause watery eyes and nasal congestion, they typically lack the fever or thick, colored mucus associated with a cold or flu.
If symptoms are determined to be purely allergic and are well-controlled with medication, the surgery may still be possible following a surgeon’s approval. However, many common allergy medications, particularly antihistamines and decongestants, can cause or worsen eye dryness. Since dry eye is a common side effect of LASIK, the surgeon must weigh the potential for increased postoperative discomfort.
A true cold or flu involves a viral infection that presents a systemic threat and a high risk of spreading pathogens. A cold can also lead to secondary ocular infections, such as viral conjunctivitis (“pink eye”). If any signs of an active ocular infection or systemic viral activity are present, the procedure will be postponed regardless of symptom management.
Rescheduling and Recovery Guidelines
If you develop any symptoms of a cold, flu, or respiratory illness leading up to your scheduled LASIK procedure, contact the clinic immediately. Informing the medical team allows them to adjust the schedule and provide specific guidance. Never attempt to hide or downplay symptoms, as this risks your vision and the clinic’s sterilization protocols.
The standard protocol requires patients to be completely symptom-free before a new surgery date is set. This period typically ranges from one to two weeks, ensuring the body has fully recovered and the risk of relapse is minimized. This waiting period allows any inflammation or dryness caused by the illness to resolve before the corneal tissue is operated on.
It is also important to stop taking all short-term, over-the-counter cold and flu medications before the rescheduled date. Compounds like decongestants and antihistamines can significantly increase ocular surface dryness, which negatively affects healing. Your surgeon will confirm you are no longer dependent on these drying medications before clearing you for the procedure.