lasik recovery tips

LASIK Recovery Dos and Don’ts: 15 Tips from Refractive Surgeons

ByJared

Recovering from LASIK successfully is mostly about what you DON’T do. Here are 15 tips from refractive surgeons to maximize your outcome and avoid the small number of mistakes that cause problems.

The 5 Things You Must NOT Do After LASIK

  1. Don’t rub your eyes — This is the #1 rule. Rubbing in the first weeks can dislodge the corneal flap. Use preservative-free artificial tears instead.
  2. Don’t swim — Avoid pools, hot tubs, lakes, and the ocean for at least 2 weeks (4 weeks preferred). Water carries bacteria and chlorine that can cause serious complications.
  3. Don’t skip eye drops — Use your prescribed antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops exactly as directed. This is not optional.
  4. Don’t drive until cleared — You cannot drive immediately after surgery. Get clearance from your surgeon at your Day 1 follow-up before driving.
  5. Don’t wear eye makeup — Avoid mascara, eye shadow, and eyeliner for at least 1-2 weeks. Particles near the eye can cause infection.

10 Things That Help Recovery

  1. Use preservative-free artificial tears frequently (every hour if needed in the first week)
  2. Sleep with protective eye shields for the first week — even if it seems unnecessary
  3. Wear good UV-blocking sunglasses outdoors for the first few months
  4. Take the first day completely off — rest and sleep as much as possible
  5. Take anti-glare screen breaks if doing extended computer work in week 1
  6. Follow all prescribed drops on schedule, even if vision seems perfect
  7. Attend every scheduled follow-up appointment (Day 1, Week 1, Month 1, Month 3)
  8. Eat a diet rich in omega-3s (fish, walnuts) to help with post-LASIK dry eye
  9. Use a humidifier at home, especially in dry climates
  10. Be patient with fluctuating vision — it stabilizes over 1-3 months

When to Call Your Surgeon

Contact your surgeon immediately if you experience: sudden loss of vision, severe pain that doesn’t improve with drops, unusual discharge from the eye, or any signs of infection (increasing redness, swelling, sensitivity). These are rare but require prompt attention.

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