How Long after LASIK Can You Start Swimming Again? By Gordon Wong, OD on December 14, 2016

One of the most common reasons that people undergo LASIK is so that they can see clearly while participating in activities such as swimming without having to worry about glasses or contact lenses. It isn’t all that surprising, then, that so many patients of Gordon Wong Eye Designs & Optometry ask how long they will have to wait after undergoing LASIK before they can resume their swimming routines. In discussing the issue of swimming after LASIK during consultations at his San Diego, CA eye care practice, Dr. Wong provides patients with the straightforward, honest information they need to understand precisely what to expect while recovering from the procedure. Fortunately, patients do not have to wait long before they can enjoy swimming after LASIK, and the payoff is dramatically improved vision while participating in one of their favorite pastimes.

Do you wish that you could enjoy clear vision while swimming without the need for corrective lenses? If so, we encourage you to schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Gordon Wong at Gordon Wong Eye Designs & Optometry today.

Resuming Swimming after Undergoing LASIK

You will want to employ a common sense approach to any activity in which you participate during the first month or so after your LASIK surgery. Although complications from LASIK are rare, you will be most vulnerable to complications during this period. Swimming can contribute to the risk of complications in several ways:

Chlorine, a chemical used in many swimming pools, can lead to dry eyes, which is already a potential side effect of LASIK. Exposure to chlorine during the early recovery period could exacerbate the problem and possibly even lead to chronic dry eye syndrome.
Chlorine and other chemicals used in swimming pools can irritate the eyes, leading to the temptation to rub the eyes. Especially during the first few days after LASIK surgery, rubbing the eyes is strictly forbidden as this can cause the corneal flap to become displaced or altogether detached before it has an opportunity to heal.
Swimming in a natural body of water such as a lake or ocean increases the risk of infection during the healing period.

Use good judgment when you go swimming during the first month. Although you can go swimming in a chlorinated pool after the first week, you would be wise to wear goggles for at least a month after surgery. Natural bodies of water should be avoided altogether until at least a month after surgery, while hot tubs should be avoided until at least six months after surgery.

Although there will come a point when you can swim without restriction again, it is always a good idea to limit the amount of contact your eyes have with chemicals. A little common sense goes a long way when it comes to the health of your eyes.