Immediately after the procedure:
The day of the procedure should be a day of rest.
- Always avoid rubbing eyes – instead, use lubricating drops for irritation.
- Avoid staring without lubricating the eyes.
- Avoid watching TV or reading.
- Avoid showering (you may take a bath but avoid getting soap or water in the eyes; showering or bathing before surgery is fine).
- Avoid alcohol consumption.
- Do not drive (even if only one eye has been treated).
- For the first 24 hours after surgery, it is essential that you wear your sunglasses at all times, both indoors and outdoors. To prevent eye-rubbing the first night, we recommend wearing sunglasses to bed.
Day 3:
- Apply eye makeup (remove makeup gently and avoid touching the eyes).
- Light exercise, such as using a treadmill, Stairmaster or stationary bike.
- Play carefully with children.
- Lift weights heavier than 50 lbs.
- Go horseback riding.
- Sauna or steam room.
- Outdoor activities, such as jogging, rollerblading, relaxed bicycling, golfing and boating.
24 hours:
For the first 24 hours after your LASIK surgery procedure: Restrict your movement and activity level as much as possible. You can do the following:
- Shower (continue to avoid getting any soap or water in the eyes)
- Washing your face (use a warm damp towel and gently wipe in a downwards motion)
- Light activities, such as going to the office or school, reading, or writing.
- Drive short distances if we confirm that you have an adequate vision.
- Work on a computer or watch TV, but keep your eyes well-lubricated (every 30 mins).
- Fly in an airplane, but keep eyes generously lubricated (every 30 minutes).
- Facial makeup application (no eye makeup).
- Lift objects of moderate weight (under 50 lbs).
One week:
Additional activities that can begin after one week with eye protection:
- Sun-tanning and salon tanning.
- Water skiing, wind surfing, surfing and kayaking.
- Hockey, basketball, football, soccer and baseball.
- Motorcycling and snowmobiling.
- Skiing and snowboarding.
- Go horse-back riding.
Activities that can begin after one week with caution:
- Dying hair & eyebrows.
- Waxing eyebrows.
- Facial muscle relaxants around the eyes or forehead.
1 month:
One month after surgery, you can do the following without eye protection, but proceed with caution:
- Water skiing, wind surfing, kayaking and surfing.
- Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery).
- Eyelash Extensions
6 months:
Six months after surgery, you can do the following without eye protection, but proceed with caution:
- Boxing and mixed martial arts (at a non-professional level). Always use eye protection when dangers of flying particulates may exist, i.e., dusty work environments or yard work.