How long after LASIK can you shower?
LASIK surgery can transform your vision, giving you freedom from glasses and contact lenses. But as with any surgical procedure, there are important aftercare steps to follow to ensure smooth healing. One common question patients ask is, “How soon can I shower after LASIK?”
At Atlantic Eye Laser Centre, we’re here to guide you through every step of the recovery process. Here’s everything you need to know about showering after LASIK.
Can You Shower After LASIK?
Yes, you can shower the day after LASIK surgery. However, there are some precautions to keep in mind:
- Avoid Getting Water in Your Eyes: For the first week, keep water, soap, and shampoo out of your eyes. Even clean water can irritate or disrupt the healing process.
- Don’t Rub Your Eyes: It’s natural to want to rub your eyes if they feel dry or itchy, but this can dislodge the protective flap created during surgery.
- Use a Mild Shower Spray: When showering, avoid letting the water spray directly onto your face. Instead, let water flow gently from above.
How to Shower Safely After LASIK
To protect your eyes during recovery, follow these tips:
- Wait 24 Hours Before Showering: Give your eyes a full day to start healing before exposing them to water.
- Keep Your Eyes Closed: When rinsing your hair or face, keep your eyes tightly closed to avoid contact with water or soap.
- Avoid Hot Showers: Hot steam can irritate sensitive eyes, so opt for lukewarm showers during the first few days.
- Use a Damp Cloth for Your Face: To clean your face, use a damp cloth instead of splashing water directly onto it.
What About Washing Your Hair?
You can wash your hair the day after surgery, but take extra care to prevent water or shampoo from dripping into your eyes. Tilt your head back while rinsing and consider using a gentle showerhead setting to minimise splashing.
When Can You Resume Normal Showering?
Most patients can resume normal showering routines, including washing their face and allowing water to run over their eyes, one week after LASIK surgery. By this time, the initial healing process is well underway.
However, always follow the specific advice provided by your surgeon during follow-up visits.
Why These Precautions Matter
During LASIK surgery, a small flap is created on the surface of your cornea. This flap acts as a natural bandage while your eye heals. Water, soap, or rubbing can disturb the flap, increasing the risk of irritation or infection. If you would like to know more about Laser eye surgery, here is Everything you need to know about laser eye surgery: a comprehensive guide.
By following these precautions, you give your eyes the best chance to heal safely and effectively.
Other Aftercare Tips
- Use Prescribed Eye Drops: These help keep your eyes moist and reduce the risk of infection. Follow the schedule provided by your clinic.
- Wear Protective Shields: Use the protective shields or goggles given to you when sleeping during the first few nights.
- Avoid Pools and Hot Tubs: Stay out of swimming pools, hot tubs, and saunas for at least two weeks to reduce the risk of infection.
- Protect Your Eyes from Sunlight: Wear sunglasses with UV protection when outdoors to shield your eyes from bright light.
- Attend Follow-Up Appointments: Regular check-ups ensure your eyes are healing properly and your vision is improving as expected.
The Benefits of Following Aftercare Guidelines
Proper aftercare ensures you heal quickly and achieve the best results from your LASIK surgery. Most patients experience improved vision within 24–48 hours, but sticking to the guidelines helps maintain these results long-term.
Think of these small precautions as an investment in your vision’s future.
Book a Free Video Call
Have more questions about LASIK recovery? Ready to take the first step toward clearer vision? Book a free video call with our team today. We’ll discuss your options, answer your questions, and help you decide if LASIK is right for you.
Find out if you are suitable for laser eye surgery
Not everyone is eligible for vision correction surgery.
Find out if you could benefit from this life changing surgery by taking the quick self-suitability quiz below:
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“I would refer Dr Beatty to anyone interested in LASIK or PRK eye surgery. The entire experience was really pleasant with his and his staff’s professional advice and care before, during and after the surgery.
I am very thankful to be able to look at the world and go about my day to day activities without the hassle of glasses or contact lenses.”
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“Dr Daemon McClunan and the entire staff at Atlantic Eye Centre, Foreshore are beyond AMAZING. The medical care I received from Dr McClunan was outstanding and the staff was always friendly and professional.”
M.M.We have replaced the images of real patients who provided these testimonials to protect their privacy.
Hi, I’m Daemon McClunan
I’m proud to be the founder of both the Atlantic Eye Centre, a leading eye specialist centre; and LIQID Medical Pty, an award-winning biotech company. My passion for research and innovation has led me to create four patented devices, and earn various prestigious awards during my specialist training.
With a medical degree from Stellenbosch University, a specialist degree from the University of Cape Town, and experience working in renowned Laser Eye Surgery centres in Canada, Germany, India and London, I’m dedicated to providing top-tier care.
Beyond the clinic, I’ve embarked on humanitarian missions, travelling over 15,000km by motorbike to provide rural eye screenings. In my downtime, I love mountain biking, diving, and spending quality time with my family.
My goal is to provide a world-class service which ensures every patient leaves my practice feeling happier than when they first walked in.
Dr Daemon McClunan
MBChB(SU), DipOphth(SA), MMed(UCT), FcOphth(SA)
Hi, I’m James Beatty
I pride myself on providing exceptional eye care with state-of-the-art equipment and a team dedicated to excellence. With a focus on refractive surgery, I bring years of experience and expertise to each patient’s journey towards clearer vision.
As an active member of esteemed Ophthalmologist societies including the Ophthalmological Society of South Africa and the South African Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, I stay abreast of the latest advancements in the field.
Additionally, my affiliation with the Health Professions Council of South Africa and the South African Glaucoma Society underscores my commitment to upholding the highest standards of care.
With a passion for laser surgery, I strive to deliver optimal outcomes for every patient.
Dr James Beatty
MB ChB (UCT) FCS (SA) Ophth MMed (Stel) Ophth
