LASIK/PRK: Recommended Wait Times for Activities

WRNMMC Refractive Recommended Wait Times 6/2011

LASIK: The greatest risk after LASIK is flap dislocation. Avoid activities that might cause trauma to the flap.

PRK: The greatest risk after PRK is corneal surface irritation and haze. During the first 3-4 months after

surgery, avoid activities that might irritate the surface of your eyes, and avoid exposure to ultraviolet (UV)

light by wearing sunglasses when outdoors during the day.

LASIK PRK

Showering/washing face

Avoid getting water/soap into eyes. Avoid excess pressure

around eyes. Gently pat dry.

Wearing UV Protection (sunglasses)

Wear UV protection

whenever practical.

Full time first month. As much

as possible 2

-4

months and

whenever practical afterwards

Driving (automobile or motorcycle)

When you meet driving vision requirements and feel

comfortable. Note: Always wear eye protection on motorcycles.

Air Travel (as a passenger) 3 days

Once bandage contact lens has

been removed: ~5-7 days

Weight Training or Aerobic Activity

(walking, running, biking, exercise

machines) Note: Avoid getting sweat,

dust, or wind in eyes.

Once pain and light sensitivity

have resolved: ~1-2 days

Once pain and light sensitivity

have resolved: ~3-5 days

Physical Readiness Testing &

Contact Sports (martial arts,

basketball, boxing, wrestling, etc.)

1 month

Note: There is a lifelong risk of

opening surgical wounds via

trauma to the eye. Always

wear eye protection during

these activities.

1 month

Exposure to Water (hot tubs,

pools, lakes, oceans, rivers)

1 month. Note: Infection risk from contaminated water

Wearing Eye Make-up (including

camouflage face paint)

2 weeks. Note: Infection risk from contaminated makeup. Old

eye makeup should be discarded. Start with new, fresh products.

Working in Dust/dirt (outdoor rifle

range, field exercises, gardening)

2 weeks 1 month

CS Exposure (gas chamber) or

OC Spray Exposure (pepper spray)

3 months 6 months

Deployment (OIF/OEF, ship)

Note: Specific times are listed in

NAVMED Policy 08-008

1 month 3 months

Ask your doctor if you have any questions about these or other activities.