Laser eye surgery is a safe and effective way to correct vision problems. After the procedure, it is important to follow the doctor's instructions for recovery. This includes avoiding swimming for a certain period of time. Immediately after surgery, you should avoid swimming altogether.
You should stay away from swimming pools for two to four weeks and out of rivers and lakes for up to eight weeks. This is because seawater contains many organisms that could damage a cornea that has been compromised by refractive surgical procedures. Even swimming pools, with chlorination, can cause problems with foreign particles entering the incisions that are healing. You can, however, resume low-impact water sports such as kayaking and snorkeling.
You will be given anesthetic eye drops to completely numb your eye and some patients may be given mild medication to reduce anxiety. On the day of surgery, you should plan to stay in the Koster Laser Suite at the NY Vision Group office for approximately one and a half hours. There has been some concern that the pressure exerted while diving could cause injury to an eye undergoing laser surgical procedures, but this concern is largely unfounded. It is important to follow your doctor's instructions for recovery after laser eye surgery.
This includes avoiding swimming for two to four weeks in swimming pools and up to eight weeks in rivers and lakes. Low-impact water sports such as kayaking and snorkeling can be resumed immediately after surgery.
