When can I swim and exercise after laser eye surgery?

Most patients are back to their normal routine within a day or two after their laser eye surgery procedure, however we do ask you to spend a short period of time after your operation in a relaxed environment to allow yourself time to adjust to your new vision and your new eye drop routine.

Immediately after surgery we suggest you keep your eyes closed for a few hours and rest them. It’s important to avoid any activities that could lead to you, or something, touching or poking your eyes. Lubricant drops are provided after the procedure so you can prevent your eyes becoming dry and itchy, so it’s important that you use these often and avoid rubbing your eyes.

We suggest you avoid showering, instead, take a relaxing bath, it’s crucial that you don’t get soap or tap water in your eyes so bathing would be the safest option. You are still able to read, watch TV, use computers or mobile phones as you wish but make sure you regularly use your lubricating drops to avoid your eyes drying out. Having dry eyes shouldn’t directly affect the outcome of your laser eye surgery, however it will cause you discomfort during the healing process and it may also cause temporary visual fluctuations.

48 hours after surgery, most of the healing has occurred, this means you can resume activities such as showering again, but ensure you are still careful not to get soap/shampoo in your eyes.

3 days post-surgery you can return to doing exercise that doesn’t directly affect your eyes, for example using a treadmill or stationary bike, however swimming is still not permitted. Gyms tend to be air-conditioned so make sure you take your lubricant eye drops with you and ensure you use them often enough to prevent your eyes getting dry. Engaging in playful activities, for example wrestling with your children, can be done but make sure they are fully aware to avoid your eyes.

After 1 week you can begin to engage in most sports again. Racquet sports such as tennis, squash and badminton are permitted but it is recommended you wear eye protection for squash in particular. At 2 weeks post op, it’s ok to swim providing you wear goggles whilst in the water. Football, motorcycling and sailing are all OK to resume as well as skiing providing you wear goggles.

We recommend you avoid high-impact sports such as boxing or martial arts for at least a month after your laser eye surgery.