Returning to Sports After LASIK Eye Surgery

Returning to sports after LASIK eye surgery can be an exciting prospect for many athletes looking to improve their performance and quality of life. LASIK, Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis, is a popular surgical procedure used to correct vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. While LASIK can provide significant benefits, athletes must understand the recovery process and any potential limitations before returning to their sport of choice. At Eye Consultants of Pennsylvania, we have many athletes as patients, and if you’re an athlete, we want to share our thoughts on LASIK with you.

Athletes and LASIK

Smudged glass lenses and dirt on a contact lens can be problematic for anyone, but a particular problem for athletes. Imagine trying to throw a pass, make a goal, or sink a free throw when your contact has fallen out or when your sports glasses are fogged up!

When athletes come to see us for their free initial LASIK consultation, they desire to play their sport without worrying about vision issues. Athletes focus on muscle strength and agility, but vision is an often overlooked asset (pardon the pun!)

We recommend LASIK for patients 21 or over because vision has stabilized at that age, so LASIK results will be optimal.

What athletes should know about LASIK

We wanted to share some of the questions we commonly get from athletes. First, athletes are often concerned that their vision correction will be too drastic with LASIK. They are often worried about changes in depth perception and other vision qualities that will affect their sports performance. Rest assured, LASIK is designed to correct vision to the patient’s current prescription. This means it will not involve a radically different vision. During the initial consultation, we discuss this and have realistic conversations about what the athlete can expect. We talk about the type of sport the person plays; if it is a high-contact sport, LASIK may not be the best option for vision correction. Significant force can disrupt the corneal flap created during LASIK, even years later. Again, we discuss this at length and discuss all the options.

How LASIK works

LASIK surgery reshapes the cornea, the transparent front part of the eye, to improve how light rays are focused on the retina. This can result in clearer vision without needing glasses or contact lenses. Many athletes choose LASIK to eliminate the hassle of wearing corrective eyewear during sports activities and to enhance their visual acuity.

Like any surgical procedure, LASIK requires a period of recovery and adjustment. Most individuals experience improved vision within a few days of surgery, but full recovery can take several weeks. During this time, it’s crucial to follow the post-operative care instructions provided by your eye surgeon to ensure optimal healing and minimize the risk of complications.

For athletes, returning to sports after LASIK surgery typically follows a gradual timeline:

1. Initial Recovery Period (1-2 Weeks): Immediately after LASIK surgery, it’s essential to rest your eyes and avoid strenuous activities, including sports. During this time, your eyes may feel dry, itchy, or light-sensitive. Follow your surgeon’s instructions regarding using prescribed eye drops and protective eyewear.
2. Light Exercise (2-4 Weeks): As your eyes heal, you can gradually reintroduce light exercise into your routine. Walking, stationary biking, or light jogging are generally safe. However, avoid activities such as contact sports or swimming that could increase the risk of eye injury or strain.
3. Consultation with Your Surgeon (4-6 Weeks): Around four to six weeks post-surgery, schedule a follow-up appointment

Whether you’re an athlete or not, if you’ve been considering LASIK surgery, come in for a consultation at Eye Consultants of Pennsylvania. We have several convenient locations, so give us a call today. We’ll answer all your questions and talk about returning to sports as soon as you can after LASIK eye surgery.