LASIK aftercare
Can you exercise after LASIK?
Immediately after LASIK, your eyes begin a critical healing process. It’s essential to avoid strenuous activity during this time, even though you can start returning to your usual routine sooner than you might think. Here’s how to build back up safely, and what to watch for along the way.
The timeline
Getting back to exercise, step by step
Every recovery is unique, so always consult your eye doctor before new or strenuous activity. As a general guide:
Day after surgery
Light indoor exercise
It’s essential to avoid strenuous activities, but walking, stationary biking, and light weightlifting pose minimal risk of eye injury or strain, and keep you active without exposing your eyes to harsh environments or contaminants.
After a few days
Moderate outdoor activity
Extend your routine to light jogging or cycling. Protective eyewear is highly recommended to shield your eyes from dust, wind, and UV rays, especially around foliage or other irritants.
One week and beyond
More demanding activities
Most patients are cleared for more demanding sports and outdoor activities. Protective measures are still recommended to ensure your eyes are healing optimally.
Protect your eyes while you train
Wear protective eyewear outdoors
Shield your eyes from dust, wind, and UV rays, particularly when exercising around foliage or other potential irritants.
Avoid harsh environments early on
Indoor workouts in the first days keep your eyes away from contaminants while the healing process is most critical.
Build up gradually
Move from light indoor exercise to moderate outdoor activity, then to demanding sports, as your recovery allows.
Check with your eye doctor first
Always consult your doctor before any new or strenuous activity for personalized advice based on your unique recovery.
By following these safety recommendations you can reintegrate physical activity while your eyes heal properly. See the full aftercare guide for the complete recovery plan.
Common questions about LASIK recovery
Avoid swimming, hot tubs, and whirlpools for one week. After at least one week you can get back in the water, following your post-op precautions.
Yes, with the right protection. UV-blocking sunglasses, wraparound eyewear in dusty or windy conditions, and a gradual return to bright light all help your eyes heal.
Most eye doctors recommend waiting at least one week. Light tasks like watering may be fine after that; bending, lifting, and dusty work should wait two weeks or more.
Most patients see noticeably better within 24 hours and return to normal activities within a week. Vision continues to sharpen and stabilize over the first 3–6 months as healing completes.
Not in the first 24 hours; arrange a driver for your procedure. Most patients can safely drive the day after surgery once their doctor confirms at the follow-up appointment.
Wait at least one month before rubbing your eyes, and ideally break the habit for good. Rubbing too soon can displace the healing corneal flap.
Non-contact activity can resume after a week. Contact sports can resume about three weeks after surgery with protective eyewear.
Any sunglasses with full UV protection. Your eyes will be light-sensitive at first, so wear them whenever you’re outdoors during the first weeks.
Foundation and lipstick are fine right away. Wait at least three days before any eye makeup, and check with your eye care professional if you are unsure.