LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) is a widely performed refractive procedure that corrects vision impairments like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The surgery reshapes the cornea, allowing light to focus accurately onto the retina, often resulting in improved sight without glasses or contact lenses. While the procedure is quick, the post-operative recovery phase is crucial for achieving the best outcome. Following the surgeon’s specific instructions regarding hygiene and water exposure minimizes the risk of complications and ensures the cornea heals properly.
Immediate Post-LASIK Water Restrictions
Patients are typically cleared to shower starting the day after surgery, approximately 24 hours post-operation. This is permitted with specific precautions to protect the eyes during the first week of recovery. Water, soap, shampoo, or other hair care products must be prevented from making contact with the eyes.
When showering, keep the eyes tightly closed and face away from the direct spray of the showerhead. Direct a gentle stream of water onto the back of the head, minimizing splashing near the orbital area. For washing hair, many surgeons advise tilting the head backward, similar to a salon sink wash, to ensure shampoo and water run away from the face.
Washing the face requires similar caution. Instead of splashing water, patients should use a clean, damp washcloth and carefully wipe around the eyes. This technique allows for cleaning without risking tap water or cleanser residue getting into the eyes, which could introduce irritants or contaminants.
The Importance of Flap Protection
The strict avoidance of water is necessary due to the delicate nature of the corneal structure immediately after the procedure. LASIK involves creating a thin, hinged flap on the outermost layer of the cornea, which is lifted so the underlying tissue can be reshaped by the laser. Once the ablation is complete, the flap is repositioned back onto the eye, where it begins the natural healing process without stitches.
Although the flap adheres quickly, it remains vulnerable to external forces and contaminants. The two primary risks associated with water exposure are introducing infectious agents and physically disrupting the flap itself. Even clean tap water is not sterile and can harbor bacteria that pose a significant infection risk to the healing corneal tissue.
A forceful splash of water or the urge to rub an irritated eye can potentially displace the flap before it has securely bonded. Chemical imbalances from soaps, shampoos, or trace amounts of chlorine can also cause severe irritation and inflammation. Protecting the flap from physical or chemical stress is paramount to achieving the intended vision correction outcome.
Resuming Other Hygiene and Water Activities
Activities involving prolonged or high-risk water exposure require significantly longer waiting periods than showering. Eye makeup, including mascara, eyeliner, and eyeshadow, must be avoided for at least one week following the surgery. This restriction is necessary because tiny cosmetic particles can easily fall into the eye, potentially causing irritation or infection.
Most surgeons advise waiting a minimum of one week before resuming strenuous exercise that causes excessive sweating. Sweat contains salt and other substances that can sting and irritate the eyes, increasing the chance of rubbing them. Saunas, steam rooms, and hot tubs are also restricted for at least one week due to high moisture and heat, which can harbor bacteria and dry out the ocular surface.
The longest restrictions apply to submerging the eyes in bodies of water. Chlorinated swimming pools and hot tubs should be avoided for a minimum of one to two weeks. Natural bodies of water, such as lakes, rivers, and the ocean, pose a much higher risk of bacterial contamination and typically require a waiting period of two to four weeks. When resuming any water activity, protective, tightly fitting goggles are often recommended for several weeks.