Sport and exercise are part of everyday life for many people – but what happens after laser eye treatment? When can you jog through the park, go to the gym or let off steam in the water again without jeopardizing your recovery? In this article, you will find out when and how you can safely get going again after the operation – including doctor’s recommendations, sports breaks and valuable tips on avoiding risks. Because one thing is certain: a clear view makes sport even more fun – but only if you don’t put your recovery at risk!

When is sport possible again after the operation?

After laser eye treatment or lens surgery, many patients ask themselves: When will I be able to do sports again without restrictions? The answer depends on the method chosen and the individual healing process.

General time periods for sports after laser eye treatment

• Light sport (e.g. walking) is usually possible after 24 hours.
• Jogging, cycling or going to the gym can be resumed after 3 to 7 days, depending on the procedure.
• Swimming and water sports should be undertaken after 2 to 4 weeks at the earliest due to the risk of infection.
• Contact sports such as boxing or soccer should only be practiced after 4 to 6 weeks.
• Diving and possibly also swimming is only safe after complete healing, i.e. after at least 6 weeks.

Differences depending on the treatment method

The healing time is highly dependent on the chosen treatment method. After Femto-LASIK, recovery is usually particularly fast. Light sporting activities are often possible again after just 3 to 4 days, while intensive sporting activities are recommended after 2 to 3 weeks. With Trans-PRK, healing takes a little longer as the uppermost corneal layer is removed. In this case, the first light sports can be resumed after 7 to 10 days at the earliest, while full exertion is only advisable after 4 to 6 weeks.

The particularly gentle SmartSight (ReLEx SMILE) procedure allows a quick return to sporting activity. Many patients can return to activity after just a few days. After lens surgery, for example an ICL lens implant or lens replacement, the return to sport depends heavily on the healing process. In most cases, light exercise is possible again after one week, while more strenuous activities are recommended after four weeks at the earliest.

Why take a break at all after the operation?

Sports activities can increase the risk of complications during the sensitive healing phase and delay the healing process.

1. protection of the eyes from pressure and vibration

The eyes are particularly sensitive during the first few days after the procedure. Sporting activities can lead to vibrations or increased pressure in the head area, which can impair wound healing. With Femto-LASIK in particular, a flap (a thin corneal flap) is prepared, which must first grow firmly into the eye. In the worst case, intensive movements or sudden head movements can displace this flap.

2. avoidance of infections

Immediately after surgery, the eye is more susceptible to germs and bacteria. Sports where you sweat or often touch your face are particularly associated with an increased risk of infection. Water is even more critical: swimming in the pool, sea or lake should be avoided at all costs, as contaminated water can lead to serious infections. Sweat can also cause irritation or inflammation if it gets into the eye.

3. no touching or rubbing of the eyes

After the procedure, there may be a slight foreign body sensation in the first few days, which causes many people to rub their eyes unconsciously. It is particularly easy to inadvertently apply pressure to the eyes when playing contact sports or training at the gym. However, this rubbing or touching can disrupt the healing process or, in some cases, even cause the flap to slip out of place.

4. prevention of dry eyes due to exertion

After laser eye surgery, many patients tend to experience dry eyes in the first few weeks. Intense physical activity can increase this effect, as the body needs more fluid and less tear fluid is produced. This can cause the eyes to feel irritated or visual acuity to fluctuate temporarily.

5. reducing the risk of bleeding or swelling

Especially after trans-PRK or lens implantation, it is important to avoid physical exertion to prevent an increase in intraocular pressure. Exercising intensively too soon can lead to minor bleeding or swelling in the eye, which slows down healing.

Light sport after laser eye treatment?

Immediately after the operation, it is important not to strain the eyes. Any form of sport should therefore be avoided for the first 24 hours. However, it is permitted and even recommended:

• Short walks in the fresh air (with sunglasses to protect against light and wind)
• Light stretching exercises without upside-down positions
• Slow movements in everyday life, such as climbing stairs or gentle stretching

As many patients experience a slight sensitivity to light or a dry feeling in the eye immediately after the procedure, they should rest during the first night and avoid unnecessary eye movements.

Avoid risks & support healing: What you should look out for

If you follow these medical recommendations, you minimize the risk of complications and ensure optimal visual acuity.

1. no rubbing of the eyes – even if it itches!

After the procedure, there may be a slight foreign body sensation, which causes many people to rub their eyes. However, this can be dangerous, especially after Femto-LASIK, as the flap (the prepared corneal flap) may shift in the first few weeks. Even with other methods such as Trans-PRK or SmartSight (ReLEx SMILE), excessive rubbing can impair healing or promote infection.

Tip: If your eyes itch or feel dry, use artificial tears instead of touching your face with your hands.

2. avoid water in the first few weeks

Water contains germs and can cause infections. Patients should therefore avoid swimming, diving and steam baths for the first two to four weeks. Chlorine and salt water in particular can also irritate the eyes. Caution is also advised when showering – care should be taken to ensure that no shampoo or soapy water gets into the eyes.

Tip: If swimming is resumed after the healing phase, it is advisable to wear tight-fitting swimming goggles to protect the eyes.

3. do not engage in strenuous or high-risk sports too early

Even if exercise is healthy, intensive sport should be avoided in the first few weeks. Sports involving rapid head movements, high pressure or risk of contact can be particularly problematic. These include

• Contact sports such as soccer, basketball, martial arts or boxing – there is a risk of injury to the eye here
• Intensive strength training – press breathing can increase intraocular pressure
• Swimming and water sports – risk of infection and irritation from chlorine or salt water
• Scuba diving – the water pressure can be problematic for healing

Tip: If you want to be active again early on, you can start with light exercise such as walks or gentle yoga.

4. protect your eyes from UV radiation

Direct sunlight can delay healing and increase the risk of glare sensitivity or a temporary deterioration in vision. UV protection is particularly essential after trans-PRK, as the top layer of the cornea needs to regenerate.

Tip: In the first few weeks after surgery, high-quality sunglasses with UV protection should be worn, especially for outdoor activities.

5. no smoky or dusty environment

Smoke, dust or strong air currents (e.g. from air conditioning systems or hair dryers) can also irritate the eyes and exacerbate dry eyes. Anyone working in a dusty environment should wear protective gogglesfor the first few weeks.

Tip: In dry or air-conditioned rooms, regular use of artificial tears helps to keep the eyes moist.