“How many days rest is required after eye LASIK surgery?”

After LASIK eye surgery, most people can return to their normal activities within a day or two. However, it's generally recommended to rest your eyes for at least 24 to 48 hours after the procedure to allow for initial healing. During this time, you should avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and activities that could cause eye strain or potential harm. In addition to this immediate rest period, its crucial to follow your surgeon's post-operative care instructions.
This often includes:
1. *Avoiding Rubbing Your Eyes*: This is important for at least a few weeks.
2. *Using Prescribed Eye Drops*: These help with healing and prevent infection.
3. *Wearing Protective Goggles*: Especially while sleeping for the first few nights.
4. *Avoiding Contact Sports and Swimming*: For a few weeks, to prevent complications.

Each individual's recovery can vary, so it's best to follow the specific advice given by your eye doctor.

When I perform LASIK, I recommend patients take it easy on the day of surgery and keep their eyes closed as much as possible for the first 4 hours, taking a nap, if possible.  By the next day, most normal activity can be resumed, as long as the medical drops and artificial tears are used as recommended.  The eyes should not be rubbed and sports that could result in pressure or trauma to the eyes must be avoided.  However, running, jumping, weight lifting, etc. can be resumed.  Most patients are seeing very well the day after surgery and feel very comfortable.  The vast majority can drive by the next day. Hopefully, this info is helpful - good luck with your LASIK - it will make your life much better! Nancy A. Tanchel, M.D. LibertyLaserEye.com

Normally just a week