Intralase is the safest method for creating the corneal flap. Using the IntraLase FS laser to create the corneal flap with a safe laser beam instead of a blade.
Patient Activity Recommendations
Day of Surgery:
The day of Lasik/PRK/Enhancement should be a day to rest completely.
Avoid activities with potential for the eyes to be poked, rubbed or touched. (ex: be careful with young children and/or pets.)
Avoid rubbing the eyes (Harsh rubbing is never a good idea - instead use lubricating drops for irritation and/or dryness).
Avoid reading, television, computer work, and other activities that involve using your eyes until any discomfort has subsided.
Avoid consumption of alcoholic beverages.
24 Hours after Surgery:
During showers, avoid soap and water directly in the eyes or take a bath instead.
Restrict movement to light activities. Work should be avoided if it involves heavy usage of the eyes, computer work, or dusty/dry environments.
Driving AFTER your 1-day checkup is acceptable if your vision is deemed 20/40 or better.* Long distances may be difficult. *PRK or LASEK patients may not achieve this level of vision until after the protective contact lens is removed.
Reading, television, and other activities that involve using your eyes are acceptable as long as adequate lubricating drops are used throughout the day.
Airplane travel is acceptable, but keep eyes well lubricated, as the air is typically very dry.
48 Hours after Surgery:
During showers, continue to avoid soap and direct spray into eyes.
Face makeup is permissible, but continue to avoid all eye makeup.
Office work and general household chores can be resumed.
Computer work is acceptable, but use plenty of lubricating drops and take frequent breaks.
3 Days after Surgery:
Exercise without risk to the eyes is acceptable (e.g. treadmill, Stairmaster, bikes).
1 Week after Surgery:
Eye makeup is permissible. Be careful when applying and removing and do not touch or rub the eyes.
Jogging, rollerblading, biking, and other low-impact sports/exercise can be resumed.
Lifting weights can be resumed.
1 Month after Surgery:
Racquet sports may be resumed with eye protection - tennis, squash, racquetball, badminton, etc.
Swimming in pools and/or hot tubs and submerging your head under water is acceptable after two weeks post-operatively, but consider goggles when swimming due to chlorine and possible infection.
Scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing, tanning, skiing can be resumed.
Motorcycling, dirt biking, high-altitude mountain biking, parachuting, and other extreme activities can be resumed without concern for eye injury
High-impact sports can be resumed - football, rugby, baseball, soccer, etc.
3 Months after Surgery:
All activities are considered minimal risk for damaging the flap and/or outcomes from refractive surgery.
Military personnel may resume active duty (combat).
Enhancements can be considered for patients who are experiencing blurriness and/or vision regression.
