When Can I Return to My Favorite Activities after LASIK?

April 21st, 2025

If cumbersome glasses or high-maintenance contact lenses prevent you from thoroughly enjoying your favorite activities, LASIK could help you experience more freedom. It is a fast and effective procedure with quick recovery times and lasting results.

Many patients are eager to return to their favorite activities, glasses-free, after correcting their vision with LASIK. Keep reading to learn more about the procedure and when you can return to your favorite activities after LASIK.

What is LASIK?

LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) is one of the most popular laser vision correction procedures available today. It has been used to permanently correct the vision of millions of people worldwide.

During the procedure, a small flap is made on the cornea’s surface. The flap is then gently pulled back to expose the middle layer of the cornea.

Small amounts of corneal tissue are removed using a specialized laser, reshaping the cornea and correcting vision. The corneal flap is moved back into place and will heal on its own without the need for stitches or bandages.

LASIK can correct most refractive errors, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The procedure provides significant vision improvement, with many patients reporting 20/20 vision or better.

What is LASIK Recovery Like?

While not everyone’s LASIK recovery will be exactly the same, here’s what you can generally expect:

Immediate Recovery

The first 24-48 hours after LASIK are when most of your healing will occur, so you should prioritize rest and relaxation while recovering. Many people experience temporary side effects, such as dryness, irritation, and blurry vision.

During this time, it is advisable to avoid activities like looking at an electronic screen for an extended amount of time that could strain your eyes and compromise healing. You should limit physical activities to prevent complications until your LASIK surgeon clears you.

Short-Term Recovery

After the immediate recovery period, most patients can resume some of their everyday activities, such as working and driving. Your ophthalmologist will inform you when you can return to these and other activities.

During short-term recovery, most patients are asked to avoid strenuous activities like vigorous exercise, running, and weightlifting for at least a week. These activities can increase intraocular pressure, putting you at a higher risk of complications.

You will also be asked to refrain from engaging in any activity that involves exposing your eyes to water, including swimming or relaxing in a hot tub. Even treated water can contain bacteria and other contaminants that can cause infection or irritation.

Long-Term Recovery

Most patients are able to gradually return to normal activities within a few weeks after LASIK. Your LASIK surgeon may ask you to start slowly, like suggesting you try walking before resuming a running regimen.

While you may be ready to return to your active lifestyle, your patience during recovery helps ensure you get the best results from LASIK. Then, you can enjoy all of your favorite activities in beautiful high definition!

Do you want to learn more about LASIK and discover whether the procedure could be right for you? Schedule a LASIK consultation at Laser Eye Center in Huntsville, AL, today!