You can keep your eyes healthy after LASIK by following your surgeon’s advice, protecting your eyes from irritants and UV light, and maintaining good daily habits.
Consistent aftercare, smart lifestyle choices, and regular checkups are key to preserving your vision and enjoying long-term results.
If you’ve just had LASIK or are planning for it, you’re likely excited about clear vision—and maybe a little nervous about recovery. This blog will walk you through the best ways to care for your eyes after LASIK, from the first 24 hours to habits that support lifelong eye health.
The First 24 Hours: Setting the Foundation for Healing
- Rest is essential. Sleep for at least 4–6 hours after your procedure to let your body begin repairing the cornea. Limit exposure to screens and bright lights, and try to rest your eyes by keeping them closed whenever you can.
- Shield your eyes. Wear the protective goggles or shields provided by your doctor, especially while sleeping, to prevent accidental rubbing or pressure on your eyes. This helps protect the delicate corneal flap as it starts to heal.
- Use prescribed eye drops. Apply antibiotic and lubricating drops exactly as instructed, even if your eyes don’t feel dry. This helps prevent infection and keeps your eyes feeling comfortable.
Week One: Building Healthy Habits
- Avoid rubbing your eyes. Even if they feel itchy or gritty, resist the urge to touch them. Rubbing can disrupt healing and increase the risk of complications.
- Stay in clean environments. Keep away from dusty, smoky, or dirty places that could introduce irritants or bacteria. Use a humidifier if your home air is dry.
- Limit water exposure. Avoid getting water, soap, or shampoo directly into your eyes for at least a week. You can shower after the first day, but avoid swimming pools and hot tubs for at least two weeks, and natural bodies of water for three to four weeks.
- Skip eye makeup and creams. Hold off on eye makeup for at least a week to prevent particles from irritating your eyes or causing infection.
- Wear sunglasses outdoors. Your eyes will be sensitive to light, so wear sunglasses that block 100% of UV rays whenever you go outside, even on cloudy days.
- Attend all follow-up appointments. These checkups allow your doctor to monitor healing and address any concerns early.
Managing Common Early Symptoms
- Dryness: Use preservative-free artificial tears as recommended to keep your eyes moist and comfortable.
- Light sensitivity: Sunglasses help, and the sensitivity usually fades within a week.
- Mild discomfort or blurry vision: These are normal and should improve as your eyes heal. If you notice severe pain, sudden vision loss, or unusual discharge, contact your doctor right away.
Long-Term Eye Health After LASIK
Maintain Regular Eye Exams
Continue seeing your eye doctor annually, even if your vision feels perfect. Regular exams help catch any changes early and ensure your eyes remain healthy.
Protect Your Eyes from UV and Environmental Hazards
- Always wear sunglasses outdoors. UV exposure can harm your eyes and affect healing, so make sunglasses a daily habit.
- Use protective eyewear for sports or risky activities. Prevent injuries by wearing goggles when playing sports or working in hazardous environments.
Prioritise Hydration and Nutrition
- Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water to support tear production and reduce dryness.
- Eat a balanced diet. Focus on foods rich in vitamin A (carrots, leafy greens), omega-3 fatty acids (fish, flaxseed), and antioxidants (berries, nuts) to support eye health.
Practice Smart Screen Habits
- Avoid screens entirely for the first 24 hours. After that, try to minimize screen use for the first few days, taking regular breaks and using lubricating drops to help prevent eye strain and dryness.
- Practice the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away to help prevent eye fatigue.
Maintain Good Hygiene
- Make sure to wash your hands before touching your eyes or using eye drops. This reduces the risk of infection.
- Change pillowcases and towels regularly. Clean bedding helps prevent exposure to dust and bacteria.
- Avoid sharing makeup or eye products. This prevents cross-contamination.
Get Enough Rest
Your body heals best during sleep. Aim for 7–9 hours each night, especially in the first week after surgery. Use your eye shield or goggles while sleeping to avoid accidental rubbing.
Activities to Avoid After LASIK
- Contact sports: Avoid for at least a month, or until your doctor says it’s safe.
- Heavy exercise: Avoid strenuous workouts, heavy lifting, or intense cardio for at least one week after LASIK. For contact sports, wait at least a month and always wear protective eyewear when resuming.
- Hair treatments: Avoid colouring or perming your hair for at least 10 days, as chemicals can irritate healing eyes.
Red Flags: When to Call Your Doctor?
Reach out to your eye surgeon right away if you notice any of the following:
- Severe pain or sudden vision changes
- Increased redness, swelling, or discharge
- Flashing lights, new floaters, or loss of vision
Early intervention can prevent complications and protect your sight.
Lifestyle Adjustments for Lifelong Eye Health
- Don’t smoke. Smoking increases the risk of eye diseases and slows healing.
- Exercise regularly. Good circulation supports eye health.
- Protect your eyes from wind and dust. Use wraparound sunglasses or stay indoors on windy days.
Mini How-To: Using Eye Drops Effectively
- Wash your hands thoroughly.
- Tilt your head back and look up.
- Gently pull down your lower eyelid.
- Squeeze one drop into the pocket—don’t touch the bottle tip to your eye.
- Close your eyes gently for a minute, then blink.
- Allow at least five minutes between using different types of eye drops.
Table: Quick Reference for Healthy Eyes After LASIK
| Habit | Why It Matters? | How Long? |
| Use prescribed eye drops | Prevents dryness & infection | As directed |
| Wear sunglasses outdoors | Shields from UV & wind | Ongoing |
| Avoid rubbing eyes | Protects healing tissue | At least 1 month |
| Limit water exposure | Reduces infection risk | At least 2 weeks |
| Skip makeup/creams | Prevents irritation | At least 1 week |
| Attend follow-ups | Ensures safe recovery | As scheduled |
| Eat a healthy diet | Supports eye health | Lifelong |
| Take screen breaks | Reduces strain & dryness | Ongoing |
Key Takeaways and Next Steps
Keeping your eyes healthy after LASIK is about more than a smooth recovery—it’s about building habits that protect your vision for years to come. Use your drops, protect your eyes from sunlight and irritants, eat well, and stay hydrated. Regular checkups and smart daily choices will help you enjoy clear, comfortable vision long after your surgery.
If you ever have questions or notice anything unusual, reach out to your eye doctor promptly. Your vision is worth the care!
