When can I go back to weight lifting after LASIK?

One of the most critical aspects in the success of LASIK is the health of the flap. If you were to damage the flap, for example with exercise, it could significantly limit the long-term success of the surgery and permanently diminish your vision. Because it has not had a chance to scar into place, even mild trauma early on after surgery can cause significant injury to the flap.I tell my patients that at 2 weeks, they can engage in light exercise (running, walking) that does not involve weights or projectiles (i.e. racket balls, soccer balls, tennis balls). After about 1 month, I lift the restrictions on exercise, but recommend eye protection with any of these types of activities. Ultimately, your physician has implemented these restrictions for your benefit and to ensure you the best chance of success.

I typically allow my patients to resume strenuous activities such as weightlifting two weeks after LASIK, as long as they do not rub their eyes (wear a hat or headband if you are prone to sweat alot).

I think your doctor is trying to ensure the safety of your eyes which is the highest priority and is to be commended. I generally do not recommend going against your doctors orders. I can say that with my patients I do not recommend weight lifting for at least one week after Lasik and when they do resume they need to be careful not to rub or bump their eyes. Getting sweat into your eyes can result in you rubbing your eyes before you think about it and in so doing you could dislodge your flap causing serious problems and vision loss. So I certainly cannot fault your surgeon for being cautious.