LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) is a common surgical procedure that corrects refractive errors, providing clear vision without glasses or contact lenses. For scuba divers, improved vision underwater is a significant benefit. However, the unique environmental factors of diving—increased atmospheric pressure and exposure to non-sterile water—introduce specific safety considerations for the altered corneal tissue. Understanding the recovery timelines and potential risks is paramount for a safe return to diving.
The Crucial Immediate Waiting Period
The initial recovery phase following LASIK requires strict avoidance of water exposure to prevent complications. Surgeons advise patients to avoid getting water directly in the eyes for the first 24 to 48 hours, including careful showering. Surface activities, such as swimming in a pool or the ocean, are typically restricted for a minimum of one to two weeks.
The timeline for resuming scuba diving is significantly longer than for general swimming due to the pressure changes involved. While some patients with an uncomplicated recovery might be cleared for shallow, recreational dives after four weeks, many surgeons recommend waiting for two to three months. This extended period allows the corneal flap to properly adhere and the surface epithelium to fully heal, minimizing the risk of complications from the underwater environment. Always defer to the personalized guidance provided by your ophthalmologist, as individual healing rates vary.
Mechanical Risks of Diving Too Soon
Diving before the corneal tissue is fully secured poses several physical risks to the healing eye. The most immediate concern is corneal flap displacement, where the flap created during the LASIK procedure shifts from its proper position. Pressure changes during descent or ascent, or minor direct trauma like rubbing the eye or poorly clearing a mask, can potentially disturb a flap that has not fully adhered.
A second serious risk is microbial keratitis, an infection of the cornea. Water sources like oceans, lakes, and even chlorinated pools are not sterile and contain various microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi. Exposure to these pathogens before the delicate epithelial layer of the eye has completely closed significantly increases the chance of infection, which can delay healing and compromise visual outcomes.
Another theoretical concern related to pressure is the interaction of trapped gasses with the corneal interface. Tiny amounts of gas may become inadvertently trapped between the corneal flap and the underlying tissue during LASIK. The volume of this trapped gas decreases with descent as ambient pressure increases. While this risk is generally considered minor compared to flap displacement, the compression and expansion of any trapped gas could theoretically stress the healing interface.
Long-Term Diving Safety and Considerations
Once the ophthalmologist confirms the eye is fully healed—a process that typically takes three to six months—diving after LASIK is generally considered safe. A fully healed cornea can tolerate the pressure changes encountered during recreational and technical diving. A significant long-term benefit is the elimination of the need for prescription masks or contact lenses, which improves convenience and safety underwater.
A primary long-term consideration is the potential for mask squeeze, or facial barotrauma, caused by failing to equalize the air space within the mask during descent. Mask squeeze causes negative pressure that can lead to visible bruising and hemorrhages in the eyes. While a fully healed LASIK cornea is structurally sound, forceful mask squeeze could apply unusual stress, making proper mask equalization essential.
Another common issue for post-LASIK patients is dry eye, which can be exacerbated by the diving environment. Exposure to dry, compressed air from the tank and the drying effects of saltwater or freshwater can increase discomfort. Divers experiencing post-LASIK dryness should manage symptoms proactively with non-preserved artificial tears before and after dives. Before returning to the water, receive explicit clearance from the operating ophthalmologist and potentially consult with a dive medical specialist.