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How Soon Can I Go Running After Lasik Eye Surgery?

I'm an avid runner, and I'm supposed to have my Lasik procedure in about a week. I'm wondering how soon after the procedure I'll be able to be running again. Is it possible that the impact from running might affect my recovery or the healing? Or is there no risk involved?

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8 Doctor Answers | Asked by Washington 110 in Washington DC

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Exercise after LASIK

Reasonable running and exercise is not a problem the next day after LASIK. I usually tell patients to make sure to keep their eyes lubricated with frequent artificial tears and protected from the wind. Also if you are running or working out in a gym, avoid fans as they can exacerbate dryness. Dryness is something that can negatively impact your recovery process. I do have my patients refrain from swimming for a week after LASIK

Paul C. Kang, MD

Washington DC Ophthalmologist

www.edow.com

How Soon Can I Run After LASIK

You can resume running after LASIK within three to seven days if you wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from external elements such as sun and wind. It is also important to not rub your eyes. Perspiration may cause your eyes to burn so consider running with a sweatband and/or hat.

Running is allowed the day after LASIK

Running is allowed the day after surgery. Speedy recovery is one of the great things about LASIK. see video

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Running post LASIK

On average many LASIK surgeons would likely recommend waiting about 7 days before resuming strenuous activity and exercise after uneventful LASIK surgery. Since running, unlike team sports like football, basketball and soccer, is lower risk for direct ocular trauma, it can often be resumed sooner but protective eyewear should be used. That being said, there is always risk with any physical activity of developing a flap complication, inflammation or infection. Since every surgery is... more

Avid Running Post-LASIK

For avid runners, waiting a week Post-LASIK would be recommended to ensure that the body has had ample time to recover from the procedures. Although most people return to their daily routines the day after their procedure, routines that are physically vigorous ought to be on hiatus for a week until your Dr. gives you the green light that everything has properly healed. The biggest fear is injury to the eye during rigorous activity. It can be as mindless as rubbing your... more

Exercise after LASIK

My patients are able to run the next day... The few restrictions I give are: no swimming, hot tube or steam baths for a few weeks and nor rubbing of the eyes for 4-6 months. That's it!

How Soon Can I Run After LASIK

I typically advise my patients who are avid runners to wait about 4-5 days before running again. There are two reasons why. The first is to avoid perspiration getting into the eyes. This is, frankly, less of an issue in March in the midatlantic than, let's say, August. The second reason is to avoid the rare instance of something hitting your eye while running......a tree branch is a good example. So for these two reasons, a week off of running is more than enough time. If you have some su more

Anthony J. Kameen, MD

Baltimore Ophthalmologist

www.kameen.com

Running after LASIK vs LASEK

Any activity after LASIK that can result in your eye getting hit by something puts you at risk of having the LASIK flap that's been cut come back up. every high-volume refractive surgeon (defined as performing 1,000 cases or more every year) has seen SEVERAL patients who had LASIK who got hit in the eye with a ball, or a finger playing basketball, or falling down and the FLAP COMES BACK UP. sometimes, the flap is actually torn off. often, it can be sewn back in place, but usually this... more

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These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.