“How long after LASIK can I rub my eyes?”

Preferably never. Certainly within the first two months or so it is possible to displace the LASIK flap of cornea. If I exceed somebody who is an eye rubber, I would offer them PRK rather than LA ASIK. An ounce of prevention is worth pounds of cure.

This is an excellent question that I get asked almost every week. I tell all my patients not to rub their eyes during the first week and to be somewhat careful the first month, after that it is quite safe to rub your eyes. After one month, the risk of flap movement reduces by 99% and patients are allowed to return to contact sports, including boxing and mixed martial arts. After 3 months, the risk reduces by 99.9%. In general, even without having had LASIK rubbing your eyes vigorously can damage, weaken and reshape your corneas, so it is best to avoid.

It is not a good idea to vigorously rub your eyes as you can do damage to the corneal surface, especially after LASIK surgery. With LASIK, this is corneal surgery, so any impact to the corneal surface should always be avoided. If you do find that you do rub your eyes at any time, the underlying cause should be determined. If your eyes itch, it may be an allergy where drops are available for this problem. If your eyes are dry, there are drops for this problem, also. Please discuss this and any concerns that you may have with your refractive surgeon because he or she will know your eyes the best and can provide you with whatever care you need. Good luck and best wishes.