Breaking a Sweat After Lasik: What You Need to Know About Post-Surgery Workouts

AvatarByGenny Wilkinson Priest

Are you considering Lasik surgery to correct your vision? If so, you may have wondered whether it will impact your ability to maintain an active lifestyle. Many individuals who lead active lifestyles worry about restrictions after undergoing Lasik surgery. One common concern is whether or not they can continue their workout routine. In this article, we will address the question, “Can I workout after Lasik?” and provide valuable information that will help you make an informed decision about your post-surgery exercise regimen. So, let’s dive in and get all the facts straight!

Lasik eye surgery is a popular medical procedure that has helped millions of individuals gain clear vision without the use of glasses or contact lenses. It involves reshaping the cornea, the clear front part of the eye, to improve vision and correct refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. After undergoing Lasik surgery, many patients are concerned about returning to their normal daily activities, including working out. In this article, we will explore the question “Can I workout after Lasik?” and provide detailed information to help you make an informed decision.

Understanding Lasik Surgery

Before we dive into whether or not you can work out after Lasik, it’s important to understand how the surgery works and what to expect during the recovery process. Lasik is a quick and painless procedure that typically takes less than 20 minutes per eye. It involves creating a thin flap in the cornea with a laser, folding it back, and then reshaping the underlying tissue with another laser. The flap is then placed back in its original position where it heals naturally without stitches.

The recovery time for Lasik surgery is relatively short. Most patients experience improved vision within 24 hours and are able to resume normal activities within 48 hours. However, full healing can take up to six months and may vary from person to person.

Factors that Determine When You Can Work Out After Lasik

While most patients are able to resume light activities such as walking or driving within a day or two after their surgery, vigorous exercises like weightlifting and high-impact sports may need to be postponed for a little longer. The primary factors that determine when you can work out after Lasik include:

Surgery Type: The type of Lasik surgery you underwent can have an impact on your recovery time and when you can safely work out. Traditional Lasik involves creating a flap in the cornea, while newer advanced techniques such as bladeless or all-laser Lasik use a laser to create the flap. The latter tends to have a quicker healing time, which means you may be able to resume exercising sooner.

Healing Progress: Another crucial factor is how well your eyes are healing after surgery. If you experience any complications or slow healing, your doctor may advise against working out until you have fully recovered.

Risk of Eye Injury: Your doctor will also consider the type of exercise you wish to do and whether it poses a risk of eye injury. For instance, activities that involve heavy lifting or contact sports may put pressure on your eyes and disrupt the healing process.

Individual Healing Time: Everyone’s body heals at a different rate, and this applies to Lasik surgery as well. Some patients may be able to return to strenuous workouts sooner than others without any issues.

Exercising After 48 Hours

For most patients, it is safe to resume light exercises such as walking, jogging, or yoga within 48 hours after Lasik surgery. These activities do not put excessive strain on the eyes and will not affect your healing process. However, it’s essential to follow certain precautions to ensure you don’t experience any discomfort or complications.

Avoid Touching Your Eyes: Even if you feel like there is something in your eye or experience discomfort, avoid rubbing or touching your eyes for at least one week after surgery. This can disrupt the healing process and increase the risk of infection.

Wear Protective Eyewear: If you participate in sports that require goggles or helmets, it’s crucial to wear them during the first few weeks after Lasik surgery. This protects your eyes from injury and accelerates the healing process.

Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is always essential, but even more so after Lasik surgery. Staying hydrated can help reduce dry eye symptoms, which are common during the first few weeks of recovery.

Avoid Dusty or Windy Environments: During the first few weeks after Lasik surgery, your eyes may be more sensitive to dust, wind, and other environmental irritants. It’s best to avoid such places to prevent any discomfort or complications.

Returning to Intense Workouts

The general recommendation for resuming intense workouts such as weightlifting or high-impact sports is four weeks after Lasik surgery. However, this may vary from person to person depending on how well your eyes have healed and what your doctor advises.

During this time, it’s essential to continue following precautions such as wearing protective eyewear and avoiding touching your eyes. You may also experience some dryness or discomfort during the first few weeks of intense workouts as your eyes adjust. If this persists, consult your doctor for any necessary treatment.

Tips for Exercising After Lasik

To ensure a smooth recovery and minimize the risk of complications when you return to

What is LASIK?

LASIK stands for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis. It is a type of refractive surgery that uses a laser to reshape the cornea (the clear, front part of the eye) in order to correct vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. LASIK has gained popularity over the years due to its high success rate and the minimal discomfort experienced by patients during and after the procedure.

How Does LASIK Work?

Lasik involves reshaping the cornea by removing tissue from its inner layers. In nearsightedness, this flattens the cornea while for farsightedness it steepens it. For astigmatism, distortions are corrected by making steeper cuts in some parts of the cornea and shallower cuts in other parts. This is done using an excimer laser which uses cool ultraviolet light to precisely remove tissue from the cornea without damaging it.

Recovery Period After LASIK

The recovery period after LASIK varies from person to person but generally takes around 3 to 6 months. Most people are able to resume their daily activities within 24 hours after the procedure. However, complete healing may take longer. During this time, your eyes may be more sensitive to light and you may experience some dryness or irritation.

Is It Safe To Workout After LASIK?

Yes, it is generally safe to workout after LASIK as long as you have fully recovered from the procedure and your doctor has given you a go-ahead. However, it is important to avoid any strenuous activity for at least a week post-surgery to allow your eyes to fully heal.

Possible Risks of Working Out After LASIK

While working out after LASIK is generally safe, there are some risks that you should be aware of. The most common risk is developing dry eyes due to excessive strain on your eyes during workouts. This can lead to discomfort, blurred vision, and even the regression of your vision correction.

Precautions To Take When Working Out After LASIK

To minimize the risk of any complications when working out after LASIK, there are some precautions that you should take. These include:

1. Avoid rubbing or touching your eyes – This can cause irritation and delay the healing process.

2. Wear protective eyewear – If you are engaging in activities like swimming or contact sports, it is important to wear protective eyewear to prevent any trauma to your eyes.

3. Stay hydrated – Dehydration can worsen dry eye symptoms, so it is important to drink plenty of water before and after workouts.

4. Take breaks – If you are doing any strenuous activity like weightlifting or running, it is important to take breaks in between to rest your eyes and prevent strain.

5. Avoid dusty and smoky environments – Exposure to these irritants can aggravate dry eye symptoms and delay healing.

Exercising Your Eyes After LASIK

While working out after LASIK may not pose any significant risks, exercising your eyes after the procedure has been shown to improve overall results and speed up healing. Some beneficial exercises include:

1. Palming – Rub your hands together until they are warm and place them over your closed eyes for a few minutes to relax them.

2. Distance fixation point – Focus on a distant object for 10 seconds then shift your gaze to an object closer for another 10 seconds. Repeat this exercise a few times.

3. Shifting focus – Hold an object at arm’s length and focus on it for a few seconds then shift your focus onto an object further away. This exercise can also be done by focusing on an object closer and shifting focus onto an object farther away.

4. Eye circles – Move your eyes in a circular motion, slowly increasing the size of the circle with each rotation.

LASIK is a safe and effective procedure for correcting vision problems. While working out after LASIK may pose some risks, taking proper precautions and including eye exercises as part of your post-surgery routine can help minimize these risks. Always consult your doctor before resuming any physical activity after surgery to ensure that your eyes have fully healed and are ready for the strain of exercising.

Q: Can I workout after getting LASIK surgery?
A: Yes, you can resume working out a day after your LASIK surgery. However, certain precautions and restrictions must be followed to avoid any complications.

Q: What types of exercises are safe to do after LASIK surgery?
A: Low-impact exercises such as walking, jogging, and cycling are generally safe to do after LASIK surgery. Avoid activities that involve high impact or contact, such as weightlifting or team sports.

Q: When can I return to my regular workout routine after LASIK surgery?
A: You may gradually return to your regular workout routine within one week of your LASIK surgery. However, it is best to consult with your doctor for a personalized recommendation based on your healing progress.

Q: Are there any exercises I should avoid after getting LASIK?
A: Yes, it is recommended to avoid swimming or any water activities for at least one week after LASIK surgery. The chlorine in the pool water can cause irritation and increase the risk of infection in your eyes.

Q: How long should I wait before wearing eye protection during workouts after getting LASIK?
A: It is best to wait at least two weeks before wearing eye protection such as goggles, sunglasses, or sports glasses during workouts. This will allow enough time for your eyes to heal and reduce the risk of infection.

Q: What should I do if my eyes feel uncomfortable while working out after LASIK surgery?
A: If you experience discomfort in your eyes while working out after LASIK surgery, stop the activity immediately and consult with your doctor. It could be a sign of excessive strain on your eyes or an underlying issue that needs attention. It’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to post-operative care.

In conclusion, the answer to the question “can I workout after Lasik” is yes, but with some precautions. It is important to follow the post-operative instructions given by your doctor and listen to your body. Starting with low-impact exercises and gradually increasing intensity can help prevent any complications or discomfort. Protecting your eyes from sweat and potential irritation is crucial during the healing process. Additionally, avoiding high-risk activities such as contact sports is recommended to safeguard the success of your Lasik surgery. However, it is important to remember that every individual’s healing process is different, so it is best to consult with your doctor before resuming physical activity post-Lasik. Ultimately, incorporating regular exercise into your routine can not only improve overall health but also benefit the recovery process after Lasik surgery. By being cautious and mindful of your eyes’ healing process, you can safely resume working out and enjoy clear vision for years to come.

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Genny Wilkinson Priest
Genny Wilkinson Priest began her journey into Ashtanga yoga in 2000 while working as a journalist in her native New York City. Initially drawn to the practice for its physical benefits, Genny soon discovered the profound mental advantages, especially during the challenging period following the 9/11 terror attacks.

Which she covered as a journalist for Reuters. Her professional career took her to Singapore, where she wrote for Time Magazine, and then to Paris, before she finally settled in London.

As her family expanded to include four boys, Genny decided to leave full-time journalism to immerse herself in yoga studies. She achieved certification as a Shri K Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute Authorised Level 1 teacher, a British Wheel of Yoga teacher, and a Yoga Alliance-certified teacher.Genny’s passion for yoga philosophy led her to pursue a Master’s Degree in the Traditions of Yoga and Meditation at SOAS in London.

From 2024, Genny Wilkinson Priest has started writing an informative blog on the “Niche Name” niche. She writes informative posts and answers queries on topics that people seek in the niche. This transition marks a significant shift from her previous focus on journalism and traditional media to a more interactive and digital form of communication.

Genny’s blog aims to provide valuable information and foster a community of yoga enthusiasts who can learn and grow together. Her extensive background in both journalism and yoga practice ensures that her content is both authoritative and engaging.