LASIK is an essential treatment that can restore your vision and improve your life. When considering LASIK, you might have questions about the procedure, including aftercare and how long it takes to recover.
While LASIK is a non-invasive, outpatient procedure, it does take time for your eyes to completely heal and for your vision to stabilize. So, it’s important to know the basics about LASIK and how it works before doing certain activities like swimming.
Keep reading to learn if and when you can go swimming after LASIK!
What Is LASIK?
Before getting into the specifics of what you can and can’t do after LASIK, it’s important to learn what the treatment is and how it works. LASIK is an eye surgery that uses specialized lasers to correct vision problems caused by refractive errors.
Refractive errors occur when the cornea, which is responsible for bending light back to the retina, is misshapen. When this happens, light bends incorrectly.
Refractive errors include nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Refractive errors are a major cause of blurry vision.
LASIK reshapes the cornea so it bends light correctly, leading to clear vision.
Why You Shouldn’t Swim Right After LASIK
LASIK is an outpatient procedure that only takes about thirty minutes. While it’s a relatively quick and easy procedure, it does take a bit of time for your eyes to stabilize completely.
Right after LASIK surgery, your vision will likely be blurry. However, most people notice an improvement in their vision within the first twenty-four hours after LASIK.
It’s best not to swim or submerge yourself in any body of water while you are healing from LASIK, as even tap water can contain bacteria that could cause an infection while your eye heals. While you can shower or bathe, it’s best to try and keep water out of your eyes.
When It’s Safe To Swim After LASIK
In the first couple days after LASIK, you’ll go to a follow-up appointment to ensure your eyes are healing well. During this appointmnet, you can bring up any concerns or issues you’re having post-LASIK.
You may also make other appointments for the next few months. Generally, you can start swimming around a month after the treatment.
However, it’s important to wait until your eye doctor gives you the all-clear. It will depend on if your eyes are healing on schedule or if they need a little more time.
Contact Stahl Eyecare for a Consultation
Are you tired of wearing contacts and glasses and want to improve your eyesight permanently? LASIK is an effective treatment option for many patients that reduces or removes the need for vision aids.
With LASIK, you can do all the activities you love without the hassle of contacts or glasses. After a few weeks of healing, you’ll be back to normal, but now with clear vision!
Discover more about LASIK and see if it’s right for you by booking an appointment at Stahl Eyecare.
Do you want to learn if you might be a candidate for LASIK? Schedule an appointment at Stahl Eyecare Experts in Garden City, NY, today!
