Do you know that over 700,000 people undergo LASIK surgery every year in the US? This ever-growing number of patients shows the success rate of this surgery. In addition to enjoying a clear vision, people are highly concerned about going back to their favorite activities. One of them is jumping in the pool!
The excitement of swimming doubles after LASIK as you do not need to wear glasses or contact lenses further. But you have to control this excitement for a little while. To get the answer to your question, “How long after LASIK can I swim?”, keep reading this blog…
How Long After LASIK Surgery Can I Swim?
First things first, it’s very important to consult with professional eye surgeons before swimming after LASIK surgery, as they can provide personalized advice based on your specific eye condition and healing process. However, the recommended waiting period before swimming is about two weeks. Here is a further breakdown of the timeline:
• First Two Weeks After Surgery
In the initial two weeks after surgery, it is better to avoid swimming. This is because your eyes are going through a major healing process during this time period. If you expose your eyes to even a little unclean water, the risk of infection becomes very high.
• Third Week After Surgery
If your eyes are healing well and you are in the third week after surgery, you can enter swimming pools only with well-fitted goggles.
• Fourth and Fifth Week After Surgery
After four to five weeks of LASIK, you can enter the swimming pool even without goggles and participate in low-impact water sports.
• Coming Weeks
In the coming weeks, you can jump into the pool without any worries. But always pay attention to any sign of discomfort during swimming and always inform your doctor immediately.
Does LASIK Make Swimming Easier?
LASIK can make swimming a much easier and more enjoyable experience. After the LASIK procedures, you no longer need to worry about glasses slipping off, fogging up, or getting damaged in the water. Additionally, you won’t have to deal with the inconvenience of contact lenses falling out or drying out while swimming.
Moreover, it provides clear vision, which significantly improves depth perception. This enhanced clarity can make navigating the pool or any body of water more comfortable and enjoyable.
What Are the Risks of Swimming Immediately After LASIK Surgery?
Swimming immediately after LASIK surgery can pose several serious risks to your eyes and overall recovery. Here are a few major concerns:
• Risk Of Infection
You might be aware that pools and lakes are hubs of bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. If you expose your eyes to them immediately after LASIK, you are likely to suffer from a serious eye infection. Apart from these microorganisms, chlorine in swimming pools can cause eye irritation and also lead to severe infections.
• Risk Of Complications
As LASIK creates flaps in your cornea, it needs significant time to settle properly. Immediate swimming can dislocate your cornea and cause severe complications in the recovery process. Also, chlorinated water can trigger symptoms of dry eyes, which are a big cause of irritation after LASIK.
• Irregular Healing
Chemicals in pool water can irritate your healing process, which can delay recovery. They can also interfere with the final visual outcomes of your LASIK surgery.
Are There Any Precautionary Measures to Swim After LASIK?
You can significantly reduce the risks associated with swimming after LASIK by following these simple precautionary measures. Here’s what you need to do:
- Wear Swim Glasses: High-quality swim glasses can protect your eyes from water exposure and any damage.
- Maintain Your Eyes Hygiene: It is very important to wash your eyes and face after every swim. Never rub your eyes, and use gentle products to remove potential irritants.
- Avoid Public Pools: Soon after LASIK, it is better to avoid public pools and swim in private, clean pools. The reason is that the water quality is usually lower in public pools, and you are at a high risk of infection there.
- Use Artificial Tear Drops: In the initial days, you will notice that your eyes turn red after swimming. Well, this is normal, as chlorine in water irritates your eyes. But don’t leave them as they are. In fact, use artificial tear drops 2-3 times a day. If the redness worsens, it is better to consult your eye doctor.
- Monitor Unusual Symptoms: If you notice any change in vision after swimming or severe discomfort, always consult your doctor. They will better assess your condition.
Conclusion
We hope you are clear now about “how long after LASIK can I swim?” Just follow the waiting period and take the above-mentioned precautions to protect your newly improved vision. Furthermore, for personalized advice, do not hesitate to reach out to a well-reputed eye care center, such as Eye LASIK Austin.
FAQS
No, you should avoid swimming in open water bodies like the ocean or lake after LASIK. They have more contaminants and debris and can pose serious hazards to your eyes.
If you experience symptoms like severe redness, dryness, discharge, or extreme discomfort in your eyes after swimming, you should seek medical advice immediately.
