Recovering from LASIK surgery can feel restrictive, and the boredom that accompanies the necessary rest period is a common experience. This temporary phase of limited activity is important for ensuring the best possible outcome for your vision. Immediate restrictions allow the corneal flap to settle securely and prevent complications that could hinder the delicate healing process. Taking the required time to rest is a small investment for the long-term benefit of clear vision.
Navigating Initial Eye Strain Restrictions
The first 24 to 48 hours following your procedure require a near-total digital detox to promote optimal healing. Staring at screens (phones, tablets, computers, or television) drastically reduces your natural blink rate, leading to significant eye dryness. Since the nerves responsible for tear production are temporarily affected, reduced blinking can slow the recovery of the corneal tissue.
Avoid any temptation to rub your eyes, even if they feel itchy or irritated. Rubbing poses a risk of disturbing the corneal flap, which can lead to serious complications. You will be instructed to wear protective shields, especially while sleeping for the first few nights, to physically block accidental contact.
Keep water, soap, and shampoo away from your eyes for at least the first day or two to prevent infection and irritation. When showering, keep your eyes gently closed. This initial period is designed for rest, allowing the cornea to stabilize without the stress of constant visual focusing or external physical interference.
Screen-Free Entertainment Options
The period of enforced ocular rest is best navigated by embracing activities that require zero visual strain. Audio-based entertainment is the perfect solution, demanding only your attention. Listening to audiobooks, podcasts, or music allows you to remain engaged without taxing your eyes, supporting complete rest for the corneal surface.
Curate a playlist or find an audio drama series to occupy your mind while your eyes remain closed or loosely focused on a distant, non-digital object. This allows the eyes to relax and the tear film to naturally re-establish itself. Guided meditation or relaxation exercises are also beneficial, encouraging mental calmness and physical rest.
Engaging in extended phone calls with friends and family is another excellent way to pass the time socially without needing a screen. Focusing on conversation and listening helps keep your mind active while ensuring your eyes receive the rest they need. Avoid the visual concentration that screens demand, which exacerbates post-LASIK dryness.
Low-Vision, Non-Strenuous Activities
Once the initial 24 to 48 hours have passed and your surgeon has cleared you, slowly introduce activities involving minimal, controlled visual effort. If you read print media, limit the duration and take frequent breaks, as sustained near-focus can still cause eye strain and dryness. Start with very short intervals (five to ten minutes) and increase gradually only if no discomfort occurs.
A helpful guideline for any visual task, including brief screen use, is the “20-20-20 rule.” This involves looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes to relax the focusing muscles of the eye. Applying this rule helps counteract the tendency to reduce blinking during concentrated visual tasks.
Activities relying more on touch and movement than sharp vision, such as light organizing or folding laundry, provide productivity without straining the eyes. Simple, non-dust-generating domestic tasks are manageable, but stop immediately if you feel any eye fatigue or irritation. Controlled engagement is the goal, always prioritizing eye comfort and rest.
When Can I Return to Normal Activities?
The timelines for resuming more strenuous activities vary, and confirmation from your eye surgeon is necessary before proceeding. Most patients are cleared to drive within 24 hours, provided they meet the legal vision standard and feel comfortable. If you experience temporary night vision issues like glare or halos, postpone driving after dark for a few days.
Light exercise, such as walking or using a stationary bike, can often be resumed within three to seven days. However, several activities require longer restrictions:
- Heavy lifting or activities involving significant sweating should be avoided for one to four weeks. This restriction helps prevent sweat from irritating the eyes and avoids the temporary increase in eye pressure that can occur with strenuous exertion.
- Swimming in pools, hot tubs, or natural bodies of water is restricted for at least one to two weeks due to infection risk.
- Applying eye makeup, particularly mascara and eyeliner, should be avoided for one to two weeks to prevent particles from entering the healing eye. When resuming use, start with new products to eliminate the risk of bacterial contamination from older items.