Watersports after Laser Eye Surgery: What you can and can’t do (Yet!)
Watersports after Laser Eye Surgery: What you can and can’tdo (Yet!)
Laser eye surgery can completely change the way you experience the outdoors — especially if you love swimming, surfing, diving, or spending time on the water. But before you dive straight back into the ocean, there are a few important safety precautions to follow.
Whether you’ve had LASIK, PRK, or SMILE, protecting your healing eyes from water exposure is a key part of recovery. Here’s what you need to know before getting back to the waves, pool, or your favourite water-based activities.
Why you need to be cautious around water
After laser eye surgery, your eyes are more vulnerable to:
Infection (from bacteria in pools, oceans, rivers, or lakes)
Irritation (from saltwater, chlorine, dust, and sand)
Corneal disruption (especially in the early weeks after LASIK)
Water — even clean-looking water — contains microorganisms and irritants that could interfere with healing. That’s why timing is everything.
Watersports: A Procedure-by-Procedure Guide
Here’s when different activities are generally considered safe:
Pools & Ocean Swimming,
SMILE: 1 week
LASIK: 2 weeks
PRK: 4 weeks
Always avoid opening your eyes underwater until you’re fully healed.
(Kite)Surfing, Bodyboarding & Paddleboarding
SMILE: 2 weeks
LASIK: 4 weeks
PRK: 4 weeks
Wearing wraparound sunglasses for the first month after returning is strongly recommended.
Diving (Free Diving, Scuba, Spearfishing)
Diving involves pressure changes, mask suction, and potential water leakage.
SMILE: 2 weeks
LASIK: 2 weeks
PRK: 4 weeks
For scuba divers, ensure:
Your mask fits properly
You avoid tight mask pressure early on
You discuss with your surgeon if you plan deep or frequent dives
Hot Tubs & Jacuzzis
These environments contain significantly more bacteria than swimming pools.
Avoid for at least 1 month (all procedures).
Showering & Washing Your Face
You can shower from day one — just avoid:
Getting shampoo or soap in your eyes
Splashing water directly onto your face
Rubbing your eyes afterward
Gently dab around the area with a clean towel.
General Rules for Getting Back into Watersports
Regardless of the procedure, these rules apply to everyone:
No rubbing your eyes
This is especially important in the first month after LASIK and PRK.
Use lubricating drops
Water, wind, and UV exposure can cause dryness — keep artificial tears on hand.
Wear UV-protective sunglasses
Especially near water, where UV rays reflect strongly.
Listen to your eyes
If you feel:
irritation
burning
excessive dryness
blurry vision
Step out of the water and contact your surgeon.
When in doubt, ask your surgeon
Everyone heals differently. At Atlantic Eye Laser Centre, your post-operative care is customised based on:
Your procedure
Your corneal health
Your hobbies
Your healing progress
If you’re a regular surfer, swimmer, triathlete, freediver, or water-sports enthusiast, let us know — we’ll create a personalised timeline for your safe return to the water.
Ready to enjoy the ocean with clear vision?
Your journey starts with a free laser eye screening
Take our free self-test and find out whether LASIK, PRK, or SMILE 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 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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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 Atlantic Eye Centre, an eye specialist centre, and LIQID Medical Pty, a biotech company. My passion for research and innovation has led me to create four patented devices, and receive 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 Laser Eye Surgery centres in Canada, Germany, India and London, I’m dedicated to providing dedicated, patient-centred 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 for every patient to feel genuinely informed, comfortable, and well cared for – from their first conversation right through to their last post-operative visit.
Dr Daemon McClunan
MBChB(SU), DipOphth(SA), MMed(UCT), FcOphth(SA)
