LASIK, or Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, is a popular refractive surgery that reshapes the cornea to correct vision problems. While the procedure is quick and generally results in rapid vision improvement, a successful outcome depends on adhering to a specific post-operative care regimen. The newly reshaped tissue is highly susceptible to external trauma, infection, and irritation. Following the restrictions provided by your surgeon is paramount to ensuring the corneal structures heal properly and realizing the procedure’s full visual benefits.
Protecting the Flap and Preventing Infection
The most immediate concern following LASIK is the stability of the corneal flap, which is created during the procedure to access the underlying tissue. This delicate flap begins to adhere almost immediately, but can be easily dislodged or wrinkled in the first 24 to 72 hours. Avoiding rubbing or touching the eyes is critical, as any pressure can cause a displacement that requires emergency intervention.
Patients must use protective eye shields, particularly while sleeping, for at least the first few nights to prevent inadvertent rubbing or pressure against the eyes. When showering or washing the face, direct water pressure, soap, and shampoo must be kept away from the eyes for at least the first week to prevent chemical irritation and the introduction of bacteria. Only prescription or recommended lubricating drops should ever enter the eye during this initial phase.
Avoiding water-based activities is non-negotiable due to the high risk of bacterial contamination. Swimming pools, hot tubs, saunas, and natural bodies of water like lakes and oceans are strictly off-limits for a minimum of two weeks, and sometimes up to a month. These environments harbor microorganisms that, if introduced to the healing corneal flap, can cause a serious infection.
Managing Environmental Irritants and Strain
The healing cornea is highly sensitive to environmental factors that can cause irritation, dryness, or physical strain. Strenuous physical activity, including heavy lifting or vigorous exercise that causes excessive sweating, should be avoided for the first few days to a week. Sweat dripping into the eyes can carry irritants and bacteria, and activities that increase blood pressure in the head can potentially affect the healing process.
Exposure to environments with high levels of airborne particles, such as those that are dusty, smoky, or heavily polluted, must be minimized. These irritants can trigger the urge to rub the eyes or cause foreign particles to lodge beneath the corneal flap, leading to significant discomfort and complication risk. If being outdoors is unavoidable, wearing the provided protective eyewear or wrap-around sunglasses can act as a physical barrier.
Limiting screen time is advised, especially during the first 24 to 48 hours, as staring at screens often reduces the blink rate. Reduced blinking exacerbates post-LASIK dryness, a temporary side effect that can slow the healing process. When returning to screen use, patients should consciously blink, use lubricating artificial tears frequently, and follow the 20-20-20 rule to mitigate eye strain. Driving should also be avoided until the surgeon confirms that vision meets the legal standard, typically after the first 24 to 48 hours, though night driving may be challenging due to glare and halos.
Restrictions on Cosmetics and Chemical Exposure
Introducing foreign particles or chemicals near the sensitive eye area must be strictly avoided to prevent irritation or infection. Eye makeup, including mascara, eyeliner, and eyeshadow, should not be used for a minimum of one week, with many doctors recommending two weeks, as flakes and residue can easily enter the healing site. When resuming makeup use, purchase new products, as old cosmetics can harbor bacteria.
Facial lotions, creams, and any products applied near the eye area should be avoided for the first few days, with eye creams specifically avoided for two weeks. These products can migrate into the eye and cause chemical irritation or introduce contaminants. Similarly, aerosol sprays like hairspray or perfume should be applied with caution or avoided completely, as the fine mist can drift into the eyes and cause irritation.
Contact lenses, even those intended only for cosmetic purposes, are entirely prohibited in the post-operative period. The eye needs time to heal without any foreign material resting on the corneal surface. Furthermore, the handling and insertion of lenses pose a direct risk of trauma to the healing flap.
Understanding Activities to Avoid Long-Term
While the most severe restrictions ease after the first week, certain activities require a longer period of avoidance or the permanent adoption of protective gear. Any activity that poses a risk of direct trauma to the eye requires long-term protection, primarily contact sports such as football, basketball, or martial arts. These high-impact activities should be avoided for at least four weeks, and when resumed, the use of impact-resistant protective eyewear is necessary to safeguard the cornea from a potentially devastating injury.
Water activities like deep-water swimming, scuba diving, and skydiving involve pressure changes or high impact that necessitate a longer waiting period, often four to six weeks or more. The pressure fluctuations encountered in these sports can potentially compromise the stability of the corneal flap, even after the initial healing has occurred.
One long-term behavior that is a necessary protective measure is consistent UV protection. The post-LASIK cornea is temporarily more sensitive to ultraviolet light, which can contribute to haze formation and discomfort. Therefore, wearing high-quality sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays is recommended whenever outdoors, a practice that should become a permanent habit for overall eye health.