The decision to undergo laser eye surgery is a big step towards a better quality of life – without glasses or contact lenses. However, a practical question soon arises after the procedure: When will I be allowed to work in front of a screen again? In a world dominated by digital devices, this is not a minor issue. Whether working from home, in the office or at university, our eyes are exposed to hours of screen time every day.

However, after a laser eye surgery, the eyes need one thing: rest and recovery time. How long you should refrain from using your computer, tablet and smartphone depends on the chosen method (e.g. Femto-LASIK or Trans-PRK), the individual recovery and the doctor’s recommendation.

In this article you will find out:

• When screen time is allowed again

• Which aftercare is particularly important

• How best to protect your eyes in the first few days after the procedure

• And why less is sometimes more – at least for your freshly lasered eyes

Computer work after laser eye surgery – what is allowed?

The feeling of being able to see clearly again without visual aids after laser eye surgery is a real eye-opener for many people. However, the question quickly arises: how soon after the procedure can you return to your computer screen – whether at work, at university or at home? The answer depends on several factors, including the type of procedure, the individual healing process and compliance with the doctor’s recommendations.

When can I start working again after laser treatment?

Most patients can resume simple computer activities after just a few days. It is crucial that the eyes are given sufficient rest after the procedure to allow them to stabilize. Particularly in the first few days after laser surgery, intensive screen work should be avoided, as the artificial light and reduced blinking can further irritate the eyes.

Many experienced specialists give a clear recommendation: as soon as vision is stable enough and there are no more complaints such as a strong feeling of dryness or sensitivity to light, a gradual return to screen work is possible. Nevertheless, if you are unsure, it is better to contact your doctor again.

Why recovery time is important:

The recovery period after laser eye surgery is not just a medical recommendation, but a genuine investment in the long-term success of the procedure. Especially in the first few days, the newly sculpted cornea is protected and stabilized by the eye drops – overexertion can delay the healing process or even promote complications.

It is also important to plan enough sleep and rest. If you sit in front of a screen again too soon, you risk symptoms such as dry eyes, blurred vision or an unpleasant foreign body sensation. The best prerequisite for a quick and safe recovery is a combination of medical aftercare, rest and a healthy lifestyle – and this also includes the conscious use of digital devices.

Laser eye surgery and screen work: What you should be aware of

Even though the procedure is minimally invasive and the improvement in vision is usually immediately noticeable, a crucial phase begins after laser eye surgery: the healing process. It is important to observe a few basic rules, especially in connection with screen work, in order to avoid unnecessary strain on the eyes and to ensure optimum results. Because even the best laser is no substitute for careful aftercare.

Tips for the first few days (aftercare)

• Use eye drops regularly: Strictly follow the instructions for using the eye drops or ointments prescribed by your doctor. They moisturize the eye, have an anti-inflammatory effect and support the natural healing process.

• Avoid bright light: If possible, do not expose your freshly lasered eyes to bright light – be it from sunlight or bright screens. Wear sunglasses when you go outside.

• Short screen time: If screen time is unavoidable, limit it to a few minutes per session – with frequent breaks (e.g. according to the 20-20-20 rule: look 20 meters away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes).

• Do not rub your eyes: Even if it is itchy or dry – avoid rubbing your eyes at all costs. This can disrupt the healing process and bring germs into the eye.

• Take recovery time seriously: Give your eyes time to regenerate. Avoid physically strenuous activities, too little sleep or stress in the first few days after the procedure.

• Attend follow-up appointments: Attend all agreed follow-up appointments – even if you already feel “normal”. This is the only way your doctor can ensure that your eye is developing as planned.

These tips are not just well-intentioned – they are crucial in order not to jeopardize healing after laser eye surgery and to avoid complications.

Healing after laser eye surgery: What the screen has to do with it

The healing process after a laser eye surgery is individual – and is influenced by the chosen method, the general state of health and lifestyle, among other things. A key factor that influences this process is screen time. This is because prolonged staring at a monitor, smartphone or tablet can further irritate the already sensitive surface of the eye and delay recovery.

How long does the healing process really take?

The three most common methods – PRK, Trans-PRK and Femto-LASIK – differ in terms of procedure, recovery time and return to everyday digital life:

• PRK (photorefractive keratectomy):
  The uppermost cell layer of the cornea is removed. Regeneration takes several days to weeks, as the epithelium has to grow back completely. Screen work should be greatly reduced or avoided for the first 5-7 days. Lacrimation and sensitivity to light are particularly pronounced during this phase.

• Trans-PRK:
  Similar to PRK, but the treatment is carried out using a non-contact laser. This reduces mechanical irritation, but healing still takes around a week. During this time, the following applies: moisturize a lot, do not overexert yourself and do not spend long hours in front of a computer screen. Short sessions with long breaks are permitted, but only if the symptoms allow it.

• Femto-LASIK:
  The fastest of the three. Many patients report stable vision the very next day. Nevertheless, intensive screen time should be avoided for at least 24-48 hours. During the first few days, it is important to watch out for the first signs of dryness, irritation or blurred vision.