Eye Care After Laser Eye Surgery

After laser eye surgery, take these special precautions to prevent injury or infection during your initial postoperative period.

• Don't take a shower or wash your hair until the day after laser eye surgery.
• Avoid getting soap in your eye when bathing and washing your hair for at least 1 week after laser eye surgery. You should also avoid getting products such as hair spray and shaving lotion in your eyes while healing from laser eye surgery.
• Avoid rubbing your eyes for the first week after laser eye surgery.
• Wear the eye shield/goggles that you received in your postoperative kit when you are sleeping for the first 3 nights after laser eye surgery.
• Don't allow tap water to get in your eyes for at least a week after laser eye surgery.
• No swimming for at least 10 days after laser eye surgery.
• No eye makeup for at least 1 week after laser eye surgery.
• Don't get your hair colored or permed for at least 10 days after laser eye surgery.
• No exercise for 2 days after laser eye surgery.
• Wear eye protection for at least the first month once you have resumed exercise and sports activities after laser eye surgery.
• Bright sunshine may cause scarring, and therefore, sunglasses are recommended on bright days over a period of 12 months after laser eye surgery.

When to Call the Doctor

If you have any questions after laser eye surgery, or if you experience pain, a sudden decrease in vision, red eye(s), or discharge from your eye(s), contact your eye doctor immediately.

Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic Cole Eye Institute.

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Edited by Charlotte E. Grayson, MD, WebMD, October 2004.

Portions of this page © The Cleveland Clinic 2000-2005

Last Editorial Review: 6/30/2005