When is it possible to return to practising sports after laser vision correction?

Wearing glasses is often a burden for both professional sports people and sports amateurs. It makes practising certain sports disciplines, such as running, cycling, working out in the gym, team sports and water sports, much more difficult. Contact lenses may seem a better solution in such cases, yet there is a risk that the lenses will dry out too quickly (e.g. while cycling), or become displaced as a result of eye rubbing, whereas swimming in contact lenses may lead to the development of an eye infection. This is why so many people decide to undergo a laser vision correction procedure so as to enjoy practising sports without any restrictions. A question which is often raised, however, is when it is possible to fully return to practising favourite sports activities following the surgery.

Why is it necessary to temporarily limit your sports activity after laser vision correction?

Limiting your foregoing physical activity is an essential element of the convalescence period following a laser vision correction procedure. It allows to prevent eye infections and inflammation and eliminate the risk of:

• a foreign body getting into the eyes – while running or cycling there is a greater possibility of dust, sand or small insects being blown into the eyes by a blow of air
• eye irritation caused by dust or sweat – during physical effort sweat dripping from the forehead may get into the eyes and cause irritation; a feeling of discomfort in the eyes triggers an unconditioned reflex of rubbing the eyelids, which is forbidden for up to two weeks after the surgery
• increased intraocular pressure – physical exercises which require frequent bending and sudden changes of body position (such as burpees) or those performed with the head down may lead to increased intraocular pressure
• mechanical trauma – in contact sports, such as team games or martial arts, there is a risk of corneal injury caused by a blow to the eye

How long should the physical activity be limited for?

The period of time after which it is possible to fully return to various physical activities differs depending on the activity. The intensity of the activities should be gradually increased under supervision of the treating physician.

• Light aerodynamic exercises (running, aerobics) – should be limited for approximately two weeks after the surgery.
• Water sports (swimming) – should be limited for approximately a month after the surgery.
• Contact sports (martial arts, team games) – should be limited for approximately two months after the surgery.
• Extreme sports (bungee jumping, diving at great depths) – should be limited for approximately three months after the surgery.

It is worth pointing out that using a sauna – which is often an inseparable element of a sportsperson’s lifestyle – should be refrained from for approximately a month after the surgery.

In order to enjoy practising sports without restrictions make an appointment for a one-day procedure by filling in a preliminary qualification form or contacting us via phone. During a qualifying examination it is important to inform the doctor that you practise a particular sports discipline – it will be one of the criteria for selecting the most suitable correction method and deciding when it will be safe for you to fully return to practising sports. It has to be remembered that the length of the convalescence period after a laser vision correction procedure is an individual matter, which depends on the patient’s age, type and degree of their refractive error, chosen correction method, lifestyle and general health condition.

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