You should avoid hot tubs after LASIK because they raise infection risks and can slow healing. Hot tubs are warm, chemical-treated environments that harbor bacteria and fungi. During the first weeks after LASIK, the cornea is still recovering and vulnerable, so even minor contamination can cause complications. The heat and chlorine in hot tubs can also irritate sensitive eyes and worsen dryness, two common issues after surgery.
Doctors place this restriction to protect the healing corneal flap and to give patients the best chance of achieving sharp, stable vision.
Key Takeaways
- Avoid hot tubs in the first few weeks after LASIK to prevent infection and irritation.
- Hot tubs increase the risk of microbial contamination, which can affect the healing corneal flap.
- Dry eye symptoms can be worsened by heat and chemicals in hot tubs.
- Surgeons recommend waiting at least 2-4 weeks before reintroducing hot tubs into your routine.
How LASIK Affects the Eye
LASIK reshapes the cornea with a laser to correct refractive errors like myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. To perform the surgery, the surgeon creates a thin flap in the cornea, lifts it, and then replaces it once the laser work is done.
Although the flap reseals within days, it takes several weeks for stronger bonding and full corneal stability. During this period, the eye is more sensitive to infections, irritants, and dryness. Patients are asked to avoid environments that could challenge healing, and hot tubs are one of the most common.
Why Hot Tubs Are Unsafe After LASIK
Hot tubs provide the perfect environment for bacterial growth, and that poses a direct risk to a healing eye. Several factors make hot tubs especially problematic after LASIK:
- Microbial load: Warm water promotes the growth of bacteria like Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is linked to aggressive corneal infections.
- Chemical exposure: Chlorine and sanitizing agents can irritate the cornea, making recovery uncomfortable and delaying healing.
- Excess heat: Prolonged heat exposure destabilizes the tear film, worsening LASIK-related dryness.
- Splash and rubbing risk: Getting water in the eyes can lead to irritation, and rubbing the eyes to relieve discomfort could disturb the healing corneal flap, especially in the early weeks after surgery.
Infection Risk After LASIK
The risk of infection is greatest in the first few weeks after LASIK, when the flap has not yet firmly adhered to the underlying cornea. Microorganisms from hot tubs can penetrate the cornea and lodge under the flap, where the immune system cannot easily clear them.
Possible complications include:
- Keratitis: Inflammation of the cornea that can cause pain and blurred vision.
- Corneal ulcers: Open sores that may lead to scarring and vision loss if untreated.
- Flap-related infection: Rare but serious, sometimes requiring flap lifting or removal.
How Long to Stay Out of Hot Tubs After LASIK
Most surgeons recommend avoiding hot tubs for at least two weeks after LASIK. Many extend the restriction to a full four weeks, depending on healing progress.
- First two weeks: Eyes are highly vulnerable. No hot tubs, pools, lakes, or oceans.
- Weeks three to four: Some surgeons may allow swimming pools by weeks 3–4, but hot tubs remain restricted longer because warm water supports more bacterial growth.
- After one month: Most patients can return to hot tubs if their surgeon confirms proper healing.
Comparing Hot Tubs With Other Water Exposures
Different water environments carry different risks. Hot tubs are among the riskiest because of both warmth and chemical treatments.
Relative risk levels after LASIK:
- Showers: Low, if direct spray is kept away from the eyes.
- Swimming pools: Moderate, due to chlorine and shared use.
- Lakes or oceans: High, because of unpredictable microorganisms.
- Hot tubs: Very high, as warm water encourages bacterial growth and chlorine and sanitizing chemicals can irritate the cornea and worsen dryness during healing.
Hot Tubs and Dry Eye After LASIK
Dry eye is one of the most common temporary side effects after LASIK. The surgery cuts corneal nerves, which reduces tear production during the healing period. Hot tubs make this worse:
- Heat increases evaporation of tears.
- Steam followed by rapid evaporation can destabilize the tear film.
- Chlorine interferes with the natural lubrication of the eye.
For patients already struggling with dry eyes after surgery, a hot tub session can intensify discomfort and prolong symptoms.
What to Do If You Accidentally Enter a Hot Tub After LASIK
If you accidentally expose your eyes to hot tub water after LASIK, take these steps right away:
- Do not rub your eyes, even if they feel irritated.
- Rinse with preservative-free artificial tears or sterile saline.
- Use protective shields while resting to avoid accidental rubbing.
- Monitor for redness, pain, light sensitivity, or blurred vision.
- Call your surgeon immediately if symptoms persist or worsen.
Safer Alternatives to Hot Tubs During LASIK Recovery
Relaxation is still possible without hot tubs. Safer options include:
- Warm (not too hot) compresses placed over closed eyelids for comfort.
- Showers with care taken to avoid water entering the eyes.
- Meditation or light stretching to relieve stress without water exposure.
- Using lubricating eye drops to ease dryness and irritation.
Returning to Hot Tub Use Safely After LASIK
Once cleared by a surgeon, you can reintroduce hot tubs carefully:
- Wear watertight goggles to prevent water from reaching the eyes.
- Limit time in the water to reduce exposure to chlorine and heat.
- Rinse with artificial tears afterward to wash away any irritants.
- Continue dryness management if your eyes are prone to irritation.
FAQs
Can hot tubs cause eye infections even if they are chlorinated?
Yes. Even well-chlorinated hot tubs can harbor bacteria like Pseudomonas that survive and multiply in warm water.
Is it safe to wear swim goggles in a hot tub right after LASIK?
No. Goggles reduce splash exposure but cannot block microscopic bacteria, so hot tubs remain unsafe during recovery.
Does steam from a hot tub affect healing after LASIK?
Yes. Steam increases eye dryness and can irritate the healing cornea, making recovery less comfortable.
Why do doctors recommend a longer break from hot tubs than from showers?
Showers are lower risk because water is cooler and less contaminated, while hot tubs combine heat, chemicals, and bacteria.
Can going into a hot tub too soon after LASIK damage the corneal flap?
Yes. Irritation or rubbing triggered by water exposure can disturb the flap before it fully heals, leading to complications.