Patients who undergo refractive surgery can return to their normal activities between 3 and 7 days after the intervention. Each case is particular and this should be a mandatory question from the patient to the specialist, who will confirm the number of days to return to work, do physical activity or go to the beach.
What you should know in general is that after the LASIK procedure, medicated eye drops and clear shields are prescribed to cover the eyes. You'll be able to open your eyes and see well enough to walk without glasses, but you don't have to drive home.
You will use medicated eye drops several times a day for a week or more to prevent infection and aid healing. You can also use artificial tears to keep your eyes moist and comfortable.
You should rest your eyes as much as possible on the day of surgery. You may find it more comfortable to leave your house lights on low wattage.
The next day, you should see well enough to drive and resume your normal activities. Be careful not to rub your eyes until it's safe.
The specialist will schedule a new appointment after the surgery to validate that everything has gone well and the eyes are healing as they should. They will give you any additional instructions needed on eye drops and/or artificial tears, and you can ask any questions you may have.
El Dr. José Alberto Muiños, medical director of Innova Ocular Muiños Clinic, explains when the patient can go to the beach after refractive surgery.
