How Soon After LASIK Can I Exercise and Play Sports?
March 26, 2024
Sports and exercise make life fun and keep you healthy! Whether you’re swimming laps, playing basketball, or jogging, these activities are great for your overall health.
These activities can also allow you to connect socially and improve your mental well-being. If you have vision problems, it can be challenging to play the sports you love or enjoy your favorite kinds of exercise.
When you have nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, you may struggle to perform in some sports or find yourself continually relying on vision aids, which can be uncomfortable while working out.
Luckily, LASIK is an excellent option to help you reduce your dependence on visual aids. With LASIK, you can see more clearly and fully enjoy the activities you love.
But, how long is the recovery time for this procedure? Keep reading to learn how soon after LASIK you can exercise and play sports!
What Is LASIK?
LASIK is an eye surgery that corrects vision using specialized lasers. LASIK is a popular and successful method of laser vision correction that changes the shape of your cornea to correct your refractive error.
The cornea is the dome-shaped tissue that covers the front of your eye. It is responsible for bending light and sending it to the back of the eye, where the retina is located.
However, if your cornea is irregularly shaped or if your eye is too short or too long, light is not able to land directly on the retina. These issues are called refractive errors.
While glasses and contacts can fix these problems, they are inconvenient and can be a hassle to deal with. LASIK can correct refractive errors, providing long-lasting vision correction and greater visual freedom.
Do you want to learn if you may be a LASIK candidate?
What Happens During the LASIK Procedure?
During LASIK, a trained LASIK surgeon uses specialty lasers to reshape the cornea. This procedure is minimally invasive and usually takes around half an hour or less.
Before you have a LASIK procedure, your eye doctor will use numbing eye drops to ensure you are comfortable during the procedure. Then, they will use a laser to create a flap on the front surface of your cornea.
Next, they will fold the flap out of the way to reveal the inner layers of the cornea, which will be reshaped. After that, they will use a different laser to reshape the cornea.
Once the cornea is reshaped, your LASIK surgeon will replace the flap and position it for healing.
What Is The Recovery Time For LASIK?
Because LASIK is a minimally invasive procedure, the recovery process is relatively straightforward. However, each person is unique, so it’s best to talk to your eye doctor about aftercare instructions and what to expect.
Generally, the recovery happens in three main stages: immediately after surgery, the week after surgery, and the first couple months after surgery.
Here’s what you can expect during each of these stages:
Immediately Following Your Surgery
You may notice some uncomfortable symptoms, such as itchy eyes, watery eyes, or a gritty sensation. Some people notice improvement in their vision right after LASIK.
However, it may take a few weeks for your eyes to heal so you can witness the full potential of your vision. You’ll likely receive eye drops to keep you comfortable.
The Week After LASIK
You will schedule a follow-up visit with your LASIK surgeon for a day or two after the procedure. During this visit, they will discuss any concerns you have and make sure healing is on track.
The Month After LASIK
Most people notice their vision clear up within a couple of days, but it can take up to three months for your vision to stabilize entirely.
If you notice any concerning symptoms, such as pain or continued blurry vision, always consult with your LASIK surgeon right away.
Do you want to learn more about LASIK?
When Can I Start Doing Daily Tasks After LASIK?
This depends on the recommendations your eye doctor gives you. Many people can return to normal work, driving, and daily life within a couple days after LASIK. While for others, it may take longer for vision to recover.
It’s generally recommended to wait at least a few weeks before wearing makeup around your eyes. The best thing you can do is follow the guidelines set out by your LASIK surgeon.
When Can I Start Exercising and Playing Sports Again?
While recovery from LASIK is usually straightforward, it’s important to listen to what your LASIK surgeon says. Each patient is different, and some people take longer to heal than others.
Your eye doctor will let you know when it’s safe for you to be active again. Usually, you can start working out and playing sports within a couple of weeks or months after LASIK.
The crucial thing is to follow the recommendations of your eye doctor. They want to ensure that the small flap created during LASIK surgery doesn’t dislodge, as this can complicate and lengthen the healing process.
Set Up A Consultation Today!
LASIK is an excellent option for many patients as it has a high success rate. Over ninety-six percent of people who have had LASIK are happy with their results.
If you’re wondering if LASIK can improve our quality of life, a consultation at SIEHT is a great place to start. Our eye care team will determine if LASIK is a good treatment option for you.
Do you want to learn if you are a candidate for LASIK? Schedule a LASIK consultation at SIEHT in Fredericksburg or Stafford, VA, today!