Back to Life: How Quickly Can You Resume Normal Activities After LASIK?

One of the most common questions people have about LASIK surgery is, “How fast can I get back to my normal routine?” The good news is that advancements in LASIK technology mean recovery is surprisingly quick for most patients! You’ll likely be amazed at how soon you can enjoy clear vision without glasses or contacts.

We’ve broken down the typical recovery timeline, inspired by the insights from the video below, so you know exactly what to expect as you get back to driving, working, and living your life with your new vision.

Your LASIK Recovery Timeline: Back to Normal Life

While individual recovery can vary slightly, here’s a general guide to resuming various activities after LASIK, based on typical recommendations and the information highlighted in the video. Always remember to follow your eye surgeon’s specific post-operative instructions, as they are tailored to your unique case.

Activity	When You Can Typically Resume	Important Notes / Precautions
Rest Immediately After Surgery	First 2-4 hours (critical)	Go straight home, take a nap, or rest with eyes closed. Essential for initial healing.
Driving	1-2 Days	Usually cleared after your 24-hour post-op appointment if vision meets legal standards.
Returning to Work (Office/Screen)	1-2 Days	Many patients return the very next day. Take frequent breaks and use lubricating eye drops.
Showering/Bathing	1 Day	Avoid getting soap, shampoo, or direct water spray into your eyes for the first week.
Using Computers/Screens	1 Day	Can resume but take frequent breaks, blink often, and use prescribed eye drops to prevent dryness.
Light Exercise (Walking)	3-7 Days	Avoid activities that cause significant sweating or could result in eye trauma.
Wearing Eye Makeup	1 Week	Use new, unopened makeup to avoid infection. Be gentle when applying and removing.
Strenuous Exercise (Running, Gym)	1-2 Weeks	Avoid heavy sweating that could run into your eyes. No rubbing your eyes.
Swimming (Pools, Hot Tubs)	2-4 Weeks	Protect eyes from chlorinated water and potential bacteria. Wear goggles if resuming early.
Contact Sports	4 Weeks or More	High risk of trauma. Always wear protective eyewear. Consult your surgeon.
Natural Waters (Lakes, Ocean)	4 Weeks or More	Higher risk of bacteria. Discuss with your surgeon before resuming.

The First 24 Hours: Rest and Recover

This is your most important recovery day. Your only job is to go home and rest.

• Immediately After: Your vision will likely be foggy or blurry, and your eyes may feel gritty, itchy, or watery. This is normal.
• Rest is Key: Go home and take a nap or rest with your eyes closed for a few hours. This is the best thing you can do for the healing process.
• Eye Protection: You will be given protective shields to wear, especially when sleeping, to prevent you from accidentally rubbing your eyes.
• Driving: You cannot drive yourself home. You must have a pre-arranged ride.

The Next Day: A New World

This is when most patients are amazed. After your first post-operative check-up, you’ll likely be cleared for many of your normal activities.

• Driving: Most patients have vision that meets the legal driving standard by their 24-hour check-up and are cleared to drive.
• Work: Many people return to work (especially office jobs) the very next day.
• Light Activity: You can typically resume light activities, watch TV, and use your computer or phone. Important: Your eyes may get dry, so use your prescribed lubricating drops frequently!
• Showering: You can usually shower, but you must be very careful to keep soap and water out of your eyes for the first week.

Resuming Normal Life: A Timeline

While your vision may be clear, your eyes are still healing. You’ll need to reintroduce certain activities gradually to protect the corneal flap as it heals.

Here is a typical timeline for resuming normal activities. Always confirm these timelines with your doctor.