How Soon Can I Go Running After Lasik Eye Surgery?

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.

I typically recommend 3-5 days of rest before getting back to cardiovascular activity such as running. Weight lifting on the other hand and other extremely strenuous activities should be avoided for 10-14 days after your procedure. You should focus on taking your drops religiously and avoiding a lot of sunlight. Try to wear sunglasses when running.

Running or any other physical activities may result sweating. From that point of view we don't recommend running first two days after the surgery. You can go running 2 days after LASIK as long as you are careful- do not rub your eyes and wear sunglasses to protect your eyes. To be safe start with moderate running.

Engaging in a moderate amount of running is okay 2 days after the LASIK procedure. Make sure to use sunglasses and avoid any hand contact to your eyes. Use a head cap or band to prevent sweat from getting into your eyes. The impact from running does not affect the LASIK procedure or the eye in relation to LASIK.

It is important to remember that while LASIK is associated with a rapid visual recovery it is still a surgical procedure that requires the healing of tissues. It takes about 6 months for the LASIK flap to reintegrate into the cornea strongly enough that it is difficult to lift or dislodge. However everyday after the procedure the flap adhesion strengthens. We recommend our patients sleep with a shield for the first week after surgery and wear protective eyewear (sun or clear) to avoid rubbing the eyes. A month after surgery the flap is extremely unlikely to be dislodged. A week out after the procedure it I believe it is safe enough to jog if protective eyewear is in place.

Most people can go running a week after LASIK. Your surgeon will see you one week post-op and at that time he should be able to tell you for certain, but be careful even one week after surgery. It is best to approach exercise with caution for at least a month after surgery.