Congratulations! You have decided to live without glasses and contact lenses – but before you can enjoy your new freedom to the full, there are still a few things to consider. Can I return to sport straight away? When is make-up allowed? And why is rubbing your eyes the worst idea right now?

In this article, you will learn how you can optimally support the healing process with the right aftercare and what you should definitely pay attention to in the first few weeks. Because one thing is clear: with the right care, you will see clearly faster!

Why is the right behavior after laser eye surgery so important?

After laser eye treatment, the healing process begins and your behavior in the first few days and weeks has a major influence on how quickly and optimally your eyes regenerate. The wrong habits can delay healing, increase the risk of infection or, in the worst case, affect the outcome of the treatment.

It is particularly important to avoid irritation and eye strain in the first few days after the procedure. This includes not rubbing your eyes, avoiding dusty or smoky environmentsand consistently using the prescribed eye drops. Sunglasses with UV protectionalso protect the sensitive eyes from bright light.

What is important for the healing process immediately after laser eye surgery:

First things first: whether days after laser eye surgery or weeks after the operation – the instructions of the attending physician must be followed. This includes rules of conduct as well as the prescribed medication. As a rule, it is mainly about the following things:

First hours after laser eye surgery:

The healing process begins immediately after laser eye treatment and the eyes are particularly sensitive in the first few hours. Many patients experience a slight burning sensation, foreign body sensation or increased sensitivity to light – this is completely normal and usually subsides within a few hours.

What you should look out for:

• Do not rub your eyes! Even if they are itchy or watery, avoid applying any pressure to the freshly treated eyes.
• Wear sunglasses: Especially with Femto-LASIK and Trans-PRK, the eyes are sensitive to light in the first few hours – sunglasses with UV protection protect against bright light.
• Keep your eyes closed: If possible, give your eyes a rest – sleep or relax with your eyelids closed.
• No screen & no reading: Screen time and prolonged activities such as reading can cause additional eye strain.
• Use eye drops: Eye drops prescribed by an ophthalmologist help to stabilize the tear film and prevent infections.

In the first 24 hours after the procedure, you should consciously take it easy to support the best possible healing. Your vision will improve within a few hours, but it is important to give your eyes enough time to regenerate.

The first few days after laser eye treatment: eye drops & co

While rest and closed eyes are the main focus in the first few hours after laser eye surgery, you can carefully return to everyday life in the following days. The foreign body sensation and sensitivity to light usually subside, but the eyes still need special care and moisture to optimally support the healing process.

1. regular eye drops for rapid healing

• Use the prescribed eye drops consistently to prevent infections and moisturize the cornea.
• Artificial tears can also help to alleviate feelings of dryness – especially during long periods of screen time.

2. wear sunglasses – protection from light and environmental influences

• Your eyes will still be sensitive to light in the first few days after the operation.
• Always wear sunglasses with UV protection outdoors to protect the cornea and avoid glare.

3. blink consciously & do not strain your eyes

• After the procedure, you may blink less than usual – this can lead to dry eyes.
• Make a conscious effort to blink more frequently, especially when working at a screen or reading.
• Take regular breaks to avoid straining your eyes unnecessarily.

What you should avoid after the procedure

Much more frequently, however, patients ask what not to do after laser eye surgery (!). Here is our – non-exhaustive – list of things that almost always apply. It is always in your best interest to stick to it in order to get rid of glasses and contact lenses quickly and permanently.

Rub your eyes: Not a good idea

After laser eye surgery, the eyes may be dry, itchy or feel irritated. The first reflex: rubbing. However, this is precisely one of the greatest dangers for the healing process and should be avoided at all costs!

Why is eye rubbing so problematic?

• Risk of infection: Bacteria from the hands can get into the eye and cause inflammation.
• Irritation of the cornea: The eyes are particularly sensitive after laser eye treatment – rubbing can put unnecessary strain on the cornea.
• Flap displacement (with LASIK): If you have had Femto-LASIK, the corneal flap can be displaced by vigorous rubbing, which could make a new medical correction necessary.

What to do if your eyes are itchy or dry?

• Instead of rubbing, blink to moisturize your eyes naturally.
• Use the prescribed eye drops regularly to prevent dryness.
• With eyes closed, gently dab over the eyelids instead of rubbing vigorously.
• If the itching persists, contact an ophthalmologist to rule out possible irritation or infection.

Even if it is difficult: discipline pays off! If you consistently avoid rubbing, you actively contribute to faster healing and better vision.

Make-up and cosmetics after laser eye surgery

After laser eye treatment, you should not only exercise and play sports, but also be careful with cosmetics and care products. The eye area is particularly sensitive in the first few days and weeks, and make-up or creams can increase the risk of infection or disrupt the healing process.

When can make-up be applied again?

• Eye make-up (mascara, eyeliner, eye shadow): After two weeks at the earliest – to prevent particles getting into the eye.
• Facial care products (creams, serums): Products should not be applied too close to the eye for the first few days.
• Make-up removal products containing oil: Can affect the tear film, so only use again after complete healing.

What you should look out for in cosmetics and skincare:

• Only use fresh, clean products to avoid germs.
• Avoid waterproof mascara as it is more difficult to remove.
• When removing make-up, do not rub, but dab gently with a cotton pad.
• Pay attention to hygiene: clean brushes and applicators regularly.

After the healing phase, you can apply your make-up again as usual – with the advantage that you can now do without glasses or contact lenses!

Sport, swimming & sauna: when are they allowed again?

After laser eye surgery, it’s time for the body to take a break, as sweat, water and physical exertion can impair the healing process of the eyes. But how long should you avoid sport, swimming and saunas? Here are the most important recommendations:

Light sports – when will I be able to do them again?

• Gentle activities such as walking or light walking are permitted after just a few days.
• Light sports without great exertion (e.g. yoga) are possible again after about a week.
• Heavy physical exertion and extreme sports (e.g. weight training, jogging) should be avoided for at least two weeks.

Swimming & sauna – patience is required!

• Swimming pool, sea or whirlpool: At least four weeks break, as chlorine and salt water can irritatethe eyes and increase the risk of infection.
• Sauna & steam bath: Also take a break of at least four weeks, as heat and steam can dry out and irritate the eyes.

Be careful with contact sports!

⚠ Martial arts, soccer or basketball carry the risk of blows or knocks to the eyes – a month’s break or longer is advisable here.

Follow-up: best possible medical monitoring of the healing process

To ensure optimal healing after laser eye surgery, follow-up visits to the ophthalmologist are essential. They serve to monitor the progress of healing, detect complications at an early stage and ensure that vision stabilizes as planned.

When do the follow-up appointments take place?

First follow-up check (1-2 days after the operation)

• Checking the cornea for initial healing success
• Checking your vision – even if it can still change in the first few days
• Discussion of further behavior after the laser eye treatment
• Adjustment of eye drops if required

Second follow-up (after approx. 4-6 weeks)

• Final assessment of healing – particularly important for PRK/Trans-PRK, as regeneration takes longer here
• Checking visual acuity – in most cases it is now stable
• Possible fine adjustments during aftercare and further eye care

In some cases, an additional third follow-up check may be necessary after a few months – especially if slight fluctuations in vision or feelings of dryness occur.

Why are follow-up appointments so important?

• Early detection of problems such as infections or delayed healing
• Ensure that no irritation or deposits occur on the cornea
• Optimization of visual acuity to achieve the best possible result of the treatment

Tip: Be sure to keep all follow-up appointments – even if you already feel well! This is the only way to guarantee that your laser eye treatment will be a long-term success.