If you are considering LASIK surgery, there will be a lot of questions. Talking with your doctor is the best way to understand what the procedure involves. One of the biggest questions for people who regularly exercise or are involved in sports actively, is when can I get back to it after the surgery? For people who regularly exercise, feeling that you may not be able to work out or get involved in a game can feel frustrating. Even though post-surgery, your vision will be restored, certain cautions need to be taken to preserve your eyes. When you are looking for LASIK surgery near me in Annandale, VA, look no further than the LASIK center at Silk Vision and Surgical Center.

Feeling Like You’re Ready to Go? Your LASIK Center Provides Advice

We understand that you want to get back to your normal exercise routine, but there is a LASIK recovery time that you need to go through. Your eyes need time to heal before diving back into a full daily routine. Becoming active before the healing period is done can risk the health and healing of your eyes.

LASIK Recovery Time

There is no simple answer to this. Every person is different, and everyone’s level of activity is also different. It’s best to talk with your doctor. Also, LASIK recovery time will depend on the type of eye surgery you have had.

How Does LASIK Work?

During LASIK surgery, the physician will create a small flap in the cornea during the operation. Returning to sports activities and exercise before the incision has completely healed can put the eye at risk for complications. To be clear, even simply wiping sweat out of your eyes can cause problems. That’s why its important to listen to your ophthalmologist about LASIK healing time even when you feel ready to go.

LASIK vs PRK

These are procedures that have similar results but done with completely different approaches. During PRK, the doctor will numb the eye and use a special holder so that you won’t blink. Using a blade and laser, the cornea is reshaped. The process takes about 15 minutes for two eyes. During a LASIK procedure, the ophthalmologist will numb the eye and a device is used to keep you from blinking. The physician then uses a laser to cut a flap in the cornea. Then the cornea is reshaped, and the flap is put back into place. This cut will seal as it heals. You may ask how long does LASIK take? About 30 minutes for both eyes.

Start the Healing Process: One Week

After a week, many people are cleared to return to their yoga or Pilates activities. Walking and light jogging may even be allowed. The most important thing is not to push too hard or wipe your eyes.

Between Two and Four Weeks

At this point, you should be able to return to lifting light weights and using light exercises on gym machines. After a month, you may be cleared to use heavier weights. Swimmers can return to the pool after a month though protective goggles are recommended. Steam rooms and saunas can also be safely used after a month. At this healing point, the steam should not be an issue. After a month, other popular activities such as tennis, pickleball, basketball, football and snowboarding, to name a few, are safe to pursue.

At Six Weeks of Recovery

At this point in the healing process, you can get back into more involved sports such as boxing, rugby, and martial arts.

Twelve Weeks of Recovery

There are several types of eye surgery but at the twelve-week point, people who enjoy scuba diving and skydiving should really wait the full twelve weeks of recovery time. This is because these activities subject the eye to higher levels of pressure. Also, activities that can put the eyes at risk, such as paintball games, should be avoided until the twelve-week period.

How Long Does LASIK Last?

LASIK lasts a lifetime. However, as we age, there may be some changes. That is why it is important to have regular checkups with your ophthalmologist. The health of your eyes is important, that's why regular checkups where any problems can be taken care of before they become bigger issues. The doctor will also examine what your cornea is doing following the LASIK or any other eye surgery.

Come See Us at Silk Vision and Surgical LASIK Center in Annandale, and Manassas, Virginia

If you are considering having a laser eye treatment to correct nearsightedness, astigmatism, or other issues, come in for a consultation with the doctor. They will help you understand if this is the right treatment for you. They will also go over the actual procedure, your lifestyle, and normal recreation habits. This helps them advise you about your recovery time activities. If you are interested in learning more about LASIK and whether it is right for you, call for an appointment today.