Post-Operative Do's & Don'ts

Recommended Activity Schedule

Day of Surgery
The day of surgery should be a day of rest.
Always be very careful about activities where the eye may be poked, rubbed or touched.
Always avoid rubbing eyes.

24 HOURS AFTER SURGERY:

• Take a bath instead of a shower.  Avoid any soap or water in the eyes.
• Restrict movement to light activities.  Work should probably be avoided.
• Driving short distances after the 1 day post-op examination is acceptable if adequate vision is confirmed at the post-operative evaluation.
• Reading and watching TV is acceptable as long as adequate eye lubrication is maintained.
• Flying in airplanes is acceptable, but keep eyes generously lubricated (every 30 minutes) – airplanes have very dry air.

48 HOURS AFTER SURGERY:

• Driving can be resumed if adequate vision is confirmed at post-operative evaluation.
• Shower (but continue to avoid any soap or water in the eyes).
• Apply face make-up (but NOT eye make-up
• Do office work
• Use computers (but it is very important to keep eyes well lubricated).
• Playing golf – wear sunglasses to avoid sand etc. from hitting your eyes.

DAY 3 ACTIVITIES:

• Exercise without risk to the eyes (e.g. treadmill, stairmaster, stationary bike) – wear a headband or hat to avoid sweat dripping in the eyes.
• Sexual activity (avoid touching near the eyes).
• Playing with children (being cautious to avoid eye area).
• Drinking alcohol.

DAY 7 ACTIVITIES:

• Applying eye make-up (avoid touching the eyes).
• Jogging outdoors.
• Rollerblading.
• Relaxed bicycling (no mountain biking).
• Lifting weights.

Activities that can begin at 1 month with eye protection until 6 months after surgery:

• Racquet sports – squash, racquetball, badminton (but always wear eye protection).
• Swimming
• Scuba diving, snorkeling.
• Motorcycling, dirt biking, mountain biking.
• Parachuting
• Baseball, basketball, football, soccer.
• Snow skiing
• Lawn mowing

Activities that can begin at 3 months with eye protection until 6 months after surgery:

(Proceed with caution as these activities have a high risk of water being forced into the eyes).

• Water skiing
• Wind surfing
• Kayaking
• Surfing