Can You Exercise After Laser Eye Surgery?

As a general rule, you should wait around one week after surgery for light exercise and up to three months for high-intensity exercise. However, the length of time you should wait will differ depending on what exercise you’re doing, so you should always consult with your ophthalmologist before starting any exercise post-surgery.

It will also be influenced by the type of laser eye surgery you get, as different methods will have different recovery periods. For instance, Femto-LASIK, which is a common type of laser eye surgery, has a relatively quick recovery time, while Trans-PRK has a longer healing period. Want to learn more about the differences between these laser eye surgery treatments? Read our blog article for the details.

Can I Swim After Laser Eye Surgery?

If you’re a swimmer, it’s important to learn how long you should wait after laser eye surgery to safely get back in the water. You’ll want to avoid getting water in your eyes while they’re recovering. Swimming pools and natural bodies of water could expose the eyes to infections, and any chemicals that are used in pools, like chlorine, may cause irritation.

Although your ophthalmologist will be able to advise you on the specifics of swimming after laser eye surgery, you should generally wait at least two weeks. For the first six or so weeks of recovery, it’s recommended to wear well-fitting goggles if you’re getting in the water to protect the eyes while they’re healing.

Going to the Gym After Laser Eye Surgery

Going to the gym can be a big part of people’s exercise routines, so it’s natural to wonder about going to the gym after LASIK or other types of laser eye surgery. This will depend on what type of exercise you’re doing at the gym, but it’s typically safe to return to workouts like lifting light weights and running after about a week.

However, like swimming pools, gyms can be risky places for picking up infections, so avoid touching your eyes after using any gym equipment. Plus, be careful about getting sweat in your eyes as this could cause them to get irritated.

Laser Eye Surgery Contact Sports Recovery Time

While you can return to some types of exercise after laser eye surgery relatively quickly, you will typically have to wait a bit longer before resuming contact sports. The wait time will vary depending on which contact sport you play, and you should always consult your ophthalmologist before starting up any exercise after LASIK or Trans-PRK procedures.

For contact sports like football, basketball, boxing or rugby, the wait time is typically around four weeks. However, your ophthalmologist may advise you to wait up to three months to exercise after laser eye surgery if you’re playing contact sports, so make sure you check with them first.

What Happens if I Exercise Sooner Than Advised?

Avoiding various forms of exercise is helpful for your recovery after LASIK or Trans-PRK treatments, as this reduces the risk of any complications.

Not waiting long enough can cause irritation if any moisture, like sweat or water, gets in the eyes while they’re healing. Gyms or workout studios can also be breeding grounds for bacteria, which can cause infections, so they’re places to avoid while the eyes are still healing. With contact sports in particular, there is also the risk of eye injuries or foreign objects entering the eye.

Even when your surgeon gives you the green light to return to exercise after laser eye surgery, try to take it easy and look out for any signs of irritation or sensitivity in the eyes.

If you’re considering laser eye surgery or want personalised advice on returning to exercise post-surgery, don’t hesitate to reach out and talk with our friendly team of professionals! Book a free, 30-minute initial consultation with betterview today.