LASIK reshapes the cornea to correct refractive errors, often leading to a life free from glasses or contact lenses. Although the surgery is brief, achieving a fully healed eye requires strict adherence to post-operative instructions. Following these guidelines is essential to ensure the best visual outcome and prevent complications. This general guidance should supplement, but never replace, the specific instructions provided by your eye care professional.
The Immediate Timeline for Face Washing
The most immediate restriction after LASIK is completely avoiding getting water directly in the eyes. Most surgeons advise waiting at least 24 hours before attempting any form of face cleaning. This initial 24-hour period should be dedicated to resting the eyes and allowing the surface to begin its initial healing phase.
After the first day, you can typically resume a very gentle form of face washing. This must be done with extreme care, specifically avoiding any splashing of water or cleanser near the eye area. The goal is to clean the rest of the face without introducing soap or tap water to the delicate corneal surface. A more normal, though still cautious, routine can usually be resumed after 48 to 72 hours. However, preventing water from running into the eyes remains critical for at least the first week.
Understanding Water Risks and Flap Healing
Restrictions on water exposure relate directly to the mechanics of the LASIK procedure. During surgery, an ultra-thin flap is created on the cornea using a microkeratome or a femtosecond laser. This flap is gently lifted to allow the laser to reshape the underlying tissue, and then put back into place.
In the initial days following the procedure, the corneal flap is held in place primarily by natural surface tension and has not yet fully bonded to the underlying tissue. Forceful contact, such as rubbing, a direct splash of water, or high-pressure spray, risks displacing this flap. Flap displacement is a complication requiring immediate medical attention and repositioning by the surgeon.
Another serious concern is the risk of microbial infection from non-sterile water sources. Tap water, swimming pools, hot tubs, and natural bodies of water harbor microorganisms, including bacteria and the amoeba Acanthamoeba. If these contaminants enter the eye while the corneal flap is healing, they can cause a severe infection known as microbial keratitis. Acanthamoeba keratitis is a rare but potentially devastating condition that is difficult to treat and can threaten vision.
Safe Hygiene and Cleansing Alternatives
To maintain facial hygiene during the first few days, alternative cleansing methods are necessary to bypass the vulnerable eye area. For the first 24 hours, it is best to avoid the face entirely, perhaps only using a clean, lint-free cloth to gently wipe the skin below the nose and mouth.
When cleared for gentle cleaning, use pre-moistened, fragrance-free facial wipes on areas of the face well away from the eyes. Alternatively, use a clean, damp washcloth and a mild, non-irritating cleanser, applying it with careful, controlled motions. Pat the face dry with a clean towel instead of rubbing, and allow the area immediately surrounding the eyes to air dry.
Washing your hair requires specific positioning to prevent water and shampoo from running into the eyes. It is recommended to tilt the head back significantly while in the shower, or to wash your hair over a sink, similar to a hair salon. This head-back technique should be used for at least the first week to ensure soap and water do not trickle down from the forehead into the eyes.
Extended Activity Restrictions: Makeup, Swimming, and Exercise
While face washing can be resumed quickly with caution, other activities involving water, sweat, or fine particles have much longer restriction periods. Eye makeup, including mascara, eyeliner, and eyeshadow, should be avoided for a minimum of one week, and often two weeks. This prevents flakes or particles from irritating the healing cornea. When resuming makeup use, purchase new products to eliminate the risk of introducing residual bacteria from old items.
Activities that involve submerging the head in water carry the highest risk of infection and require the longest waiting period. Swimming in pools, hot tubs, saunas, and natural bodies of water must be avoided for at least two weeks, and often up to a full month. This restriction is due to the high concentration of bacteria and irritating chemicals like chlorine, which pose a significant threat to the healing corneal surface.
For exercise, light, non-strenuous activity is typically permitted the day after surgery. However, strenuous exercise that induces heavy sweating should be postponed for about a week. Sweat dripping into the eyes can cause irritation and introduce contaminants, so patients should pat their forehead dry with a clean towel to keep moisture away from the eye area. Contact sports, or any activity with a high risk of trauma to the eye, require a waiting period of at least one month.