How Soon Can I Exercise After Laser Eye Surgery?

Sports play a big part in many people’s day-to-day lives, so it is no wonder that many of our patients ask our consultants how soon they can return to exercise after laser eye surgery. Naturally, they want to get back into their usual routine, keep active, have fun, and enjoy the benefits of their newly improved vision, and who can blame them?

Many patients feel eager to know exactly how long after eye surgery they can go to the gym, and the answer depends on both which procedure they underwent and the intensity of the workout. Read on as our experts explore how soon you can get back to exercising after laser eye surgery.

How Soon Can I Exercise After Laser Eye Surgery?

The recovery period is largely dictated by the specific technique used, meaning there is no universal rule for resuming exercise after laser eye surgery.

For those who undergo LASIK, a thin, protective flap is created on the corneal surface. This flap heals remarkably quickly, but it remains vulnerable to displacement in the very early stages. But, patients can generally return to light exercise such as walking 1-2 days after LASIK. However, LASIK patients must be particularly cautious about high-impact activities for at least 2-4 weeks after the surgery.

In contrast, ReLEx SMILE is a minimally invasive, flapless procedure, which often allows for a swifter return to more vigorous movement. Patients can return to non-strenuous exercise such as walking, 24-48 hours after ReLEx SMILE surgery.  

LASEK, which involves the gentle removal of the surface layer of the cornea, typically requires a patient recovery window of at least a week before light activity can be resumed.

PRESBYOND®, typically for patients over 40 and which sculpts the cornea to optimal shape for blended vision, has a similar recovery period to ReLEx SMILE, and patients can return to non-strenuous exercise 24-48 hours after surgery.

For all laser eye surgery types, swimming should be avoided for around one month post-surgery.

The First 24 Hours: Prioritising Rest

The first day following your procedure is the most critical. We advise all patients to avoid any form of exercise after laser eye surgery during this window. Physical exertion increases your blood pressure and heart rate, which can lead to unnecessary ocular pressure or inflammation.

Simple risks like perspiration can pose a challenge; sweat dripping into the eye carries bacteria and may tempt you to rub your eyes – an action that must be strictly avoided to prevent infection or flap complications. This is also a period where some patients report headaches from exercising following laser eye surgery if they return to activity too soon, as the brain and eyes are still adjusting to their new visual clarity, which is completely normal.

One Week Post-Surgery: Gentle Movement

After the first week, most patients find they can comfortably reintegrate light activity. Yoga and pilates are generally safe at this stage, provided you avoid inverted poses that increase pressure in the head. Light jogging is also typically acceptable.

Even with light exercise after laser eye surgery, caution remains the priority. We recommend wearing a headband to keep sweat from your eyes and avoiding environments that are particularly dusty or windy, which could irritate your eyes. Keeping your body hydrated also helps to maintain the quality of your tear film, which is essential for healing.

Two to Six Weeks: Building Intensity

As you reach the two-week mark, your eyes have gained significant structural strength since the surgery. Most patients can return to the gym for light resistance training and use stationary cycles. 

For those who enjoy swimming, we typically suggest waiting 2-4 weeks after, depending on the procedure; even then, high-quality, watertight goggles are essential to protect against chlorine and bacteria.

By week four, most patients can return to non-contact sports such as tennis, golf or football. If you’re exercising outside, our experts recommend wrap-around UV sunglasses to protect against wind and debris.

It’s important to note that if you’re recovering from a more complex surgery, your timeline will be more conservative. For instance, those seeking advice on exercise after laser eye surgery for retinal tear should be aware that retinal health requires specialist monitoring, and your surgeon will provide a bespoke plan to ensure no undue strain is placed on the back of the eye.

Long-Term Care and High-Impact Sports

By six to twelve weeks, the majority of our SMILE and LASEK patients are cleared for all activities, including full-contact sports such as rugby and martial arts. However, for LASIK patients, they are counselled preoperatively that they should not participate in activities that are subject to high levels of trauma, such as martial arts, as this can cause FLAP dislocation.

Expert-Led Guidance at Every Step

At Optegra, your journey is managed by a world-class consultant surgeon who understands your lifestyle as well as your clinical needs. They will provide clear, personalised milestones for your recovery, ensuring you never feel uncertain about your progress.Get in touch today to book a free, no-obligation consultation and get advice on your treatment options from one of our specialists.