Swimming After LASIK
Published by on June 23, 2015
Summertime is upon us! That means sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and hanging out poolside. Many people are excited, not only to save money by having LASIK, but to be able to enjoy all the fun water activities of summer– without worrying about the hassles of contact lenses, or prescription goggles and sunglasses at the pool in order to see. Find out how long you should wait before swimming after LASIK.
In summer, it is important to take certain precautions like applying sunscreen and wearing the proper eye protection to shield your eyes from UV rays. However, what if you just got LASIK or are planning to have LASIK this summer? If you have chosen to have LASIK with Kugler Vision in Omaha, congratulations! LASIK is a life changing procedure that affects every aspect of your life in a positive way. We can help you determine the answers to all your questions regarding your procedure.
How long after LASIK do I have to wait before swimming?
It is important for you to allow your eyes to completely heal after the procedure before jumping in for a swim. LASIK is quick, safe, and greatly enhances one’s quality of life. In fact, the procedure is over within minutes! As with all procedures there is a recovery period. For example, if you choose to swim in a chlorinated pool your eyes could become irritated and dry. Also, the chemicals in the pool may tempt you to rub your eyes.
Swimming in a lake or other body of freshwater before your eyes have recovered from the LASIK procedure increases your risk of an eye infection. In general, we recommend that our LASIK patients follow the Post LASIK instructions below in order to keep their eyes healthy, prevent infection, and give them their smoothest and fastest recovery.
What should I do to prevent any complications after LASIK?
Post LASIK Instructions:
- No hot tubs for six weeks
- No swimming in pools or lakes for two weeks
- No eye makeup for one week
Everyone’s eyes are different, so it is important to consult with our doctors before and after your LASIK procedure to learn more about when it is safe for you to return to summer fun in the water! If you are considering LASIK, call us at 402.558.2211 or schedule a consultation. We are here to answer all your questions!
Lance Kugler, MD, is a specialist in LASIK and vision correction surgery and CEO of Kugler Vision. A proud Omaha native, he is passionate about improving lives through clear vision. Dr. Kugler serves on several national boards, and his practice is recognized internationally as a center of excellence. Dr. Kugler is one of the original founders of the Refractive Surgery Alliance, an international organization comprised of over 350 of the world’s leading vision correction surgeons; he also served as its first president. In 2019, Dr. Kugler was selected as a TEDx speaker, and delivered a talk in Omaha about the worldwide epidemic of nearsightedness and refractive solutions. Dr. Kugler is an Associate Professor of Refractive Surgery at the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s Truhlsen Eye Institute, has been published in many medical journals, and participates in numerous clinical studies to advance the field of vision correction surgery. Additionally, Dr. Kugler is proud to be a Board Certified Fellow of the World College of Refractive Surgery & Visual Sciences. Dr. Kugler and his wife are proud parents to five active kids. When he has a spare moment, he enjoys skiing, tennis, travel, and fine coffee.
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