LASIK aftercare
Can you swim after LASIK?
You’ve ditched the glasses and contacts, and the pool or beach is calling. But the corneal flap created during your procedure needs time to heal, and during recovery your eyes are more sensitive to irritation. Here’s the recommended timeline and the precautions to take.
Why it matters
Why you should wait before swimming
Water is full of things a healing eye doesn’t want. Here’s what’s going on during that first week.
The corneal flap needs time to heal
LASIK creates a thin corneal flap that is repositioned after the laser reshapes the underlying tissue. During the first days of recovery it is still sealing, and your eyes are more sensitive and vulnerable to irritation.
Water carries irritants and bacteria
Chlorine, salt water, and the microorganisms in lakes, hot tubs, and pools can irritate the healing surface or cause infection. Waiting a week sharply reduces that risk.
Wet eyes get rubbed
Water in the eyes triggers a reflex to wipe or rub them, which is exactly what you must avoid while the flap secures. Staying dry removes the temptation.
The timeline
When you can get back in the water
Every patient heals differently, so confirm the timing with your doctor. As a general guide:
First 72 hours
Keep water out entirely
No swimming, and no water in your eyes at all. Shower carefully with your face away from the spray and keep soap and shampoo well clear.
First week
No pools, hot tubs, or open water
Your eyes are still healing and at higher risk of infection. Skip swimming, whirlpools, and hot tubs for at least one week.
After one week
Take the plunge
After at least one week, you can get back in the water. Follow the precautions below and check with your eye doctor for personalized advice.
Tips for a safe return to the water
Wear goggles
A no-brainer. Goggles protect your eyes from chlorine, salt water, and other irritants while the surface finishes healing.
Don’t rub your eyes
Gently pat your eyes dry with a clean towel instead of rubbing, which can disturb the corneal flap.
Be gentle
Avoid splashing water directly into your eyes, and skip diving or rough play in the first weeks back.
Take care in the shower
You can bathe normally right after LASIK, but keep water, shampoo, and soap from getting into your eyes.
Every person is different, so check with your eye doctor for personalized advice. See the full aftercare guide for the complete recovery plan.
Common questions about LASIK recovery
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 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.
Light indoor exercise can resume the day after surgery. Add moderate outdoor activity after a few days with protective eyewear, and more demanding activities after one week.
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.