When Can You Swim After LASIK?

Many people are surprised to learn that most patients don’t need to wait long to resume their favourite activities after undergoing LASIK, including swimming. LASIK is widely considered to be one of the safest elective medical procedures available and of its many benefits is that the recovery is usually quick. Most patients don’t have to wait long before getting back to doing what they love, only with clear vision.

Swimming is one of many activities that can usually be resumed shortly after a LASIK procedure, so long as proper precautions are taken. Here’s what you need to know about going for a swim after having laser vision correction.

The Recovery from LASIK is Usually Quick

There’s no need to pause your life for LASIK, since the recovery is often quick. Most of our patients are back to their normal routines within 24 hours of the procedure. This means you don’t have to wait long to enjoy your favourite activities without glasses and contacts.

At LASIK MD, our staff will be with you every step of the way during your LASIK journey. You’ll be given detailed instructions on how to care for your eyes post-LASIK, including a Recommended Activity Schedule. This schedule was developed by LASIK MD surgeons and acts as a guideline for when you can resume specific activities after LASIK, including swimming as well as others like wearing eye makeup, playing sports, and many more. It’s important to follow these recommendations closely to ensure a smooth recovery.

You’ll also come in for a post-operative appointment the day after your LASIK procedure so our staff can monitor the healing of your eyes, and to confirm you’re ready to get back to your everyday routine.

When Is It Safe To Swim After LASIK?

Many people assume that they need to wait a significant amount of time after LASIK before heading into the water. But for most people, they don’t need to wait longer than a few days.

As per LASIK MD’s Post-LASIK Recommended Activity Schedule, most patients can swim in a pool or ocean three days after their surgery while using goggles. Within a week of the LASIK procedure, most patients are fine to swim without goggles as well as sail on the water.

Other water activities that are usually acceptable within 3 days post-LASIK while wearing proper eye protection include:

• Surfing
• Kayaking
• Snorkeling
• Waterslides
• Scuba diving
• Water skiing
• Windsurfing

Most patients can enjoy the above activities without eye protection within a month of their surgery, but they’re advised to proceed with caution.

If you’re undergoing a procedure with LASIK MD and know you want to participate in a water activity shortly after your surgery, we advise you to inform our clinical staff ahead of time. We’ll be able to give you further details and recommendations based on your specific case.

Additionally, don’t hesitate to reach out during any part of your LASIK journey to ask questions, especially about when and how to safely resume specific activities following your surgery.

How LASIK Makes Swimming Easier

Swimming is one of many activities that LASIK makes easier. Here are a few of the key ways.

Less hassle

With freedom from glasses and contact lenses, you won’t have to worry about them getting in the way while enjoying the activities you love, like swimming. You can get ready to hit the water with less on your mind, saving you both time and energy.

It’s safer

LASIK can also make things safer. When you have clear vision, you won’t have to worry about your glasses flying off or a contact lens popping out while splashing in the waves or enjoying a water sport.

It saves money

Another benefit of LASIK is that it can save money in the long run by reducing costs associated with glasses and contacts. This includes specialty goggles needed for swimming and other water activities. Try our savings calculator to see how much you can save across your lifetime with LASIK.

Don’t wait to experience the life-changing benefits of clear vision! Book a free consultation with LASIK MD today to discuss your options for vision correction and get ready to transform your life.