You should avoid watching TV and screens for at least the first 24 hours after LASIK to let your eyes rest and heal, as they are sensitive to light and strain. After the first day, you can gradually reintroduce short sessions, but take frequent breaks (20-20-20 rule), use lubricating drops, and listen to audiobooks or music instead initially to reduce fatigue. Full comfortable screen use usually returns within one to two weeks, but always follow your surgeon's specific advice.
It's best to avoid all screens for the first 24-48 hours after LASIK. After that, you can gradually introduce short screen sessions with frequent breaks. Most people can resume normal screen use within 1-2 weeks, but always follow your doctor's specific instructions.
But experts advise avoiding all screens in the first 24 hours. Why? LASIK works by creating a thin flap in your cornea, and this flap needs uninterrupted time to settle and heal.
Day 1 to Day 3
During the first three days post-surgery, it's best to avoid watching movies altogether. Your eyes need to rest, and activities that require focusing on a screen can strain your eyes and delay healing. Follow your doctor's post-operative instructions carefully during this period.
Your eyes will be sensitive to light and you will still be adjusting to your replacement lens, so you should hold off on using screens until your eyes feel less sensitive, about 24 hours after surgery. When you do start watching TV again, take frequent breaks to prevent eye strain, and avoid rubbing your eyes.
Screen time can cause eye strain and dryness, even if you haven't recently had eye surgery. After LASIK, it's best to minimize these effects by eliminating TV and device use for a day or two. Once you resume screen time, there are steps you can take to minimize strain and keep the eyes lubricated.
This light has lead to a condition known as “digital eye strain” or “computer vision syndrome”. Computer vision syndrome is the visual discomfort you experience after watching TV or using tablets/ smartphones for an extended time. Common issues include sore eyes, Dry Eye Syndrome, headaches, and nausea.
In an interview that broke the internet (literally—over 1.3 million viewers crashed YouTube), Taylor didn't just announce her new album “The Life of a Showgirl.” She casually credited LASIK with helping her fully experience the emotional connections that made her tour so special.
Avoid strenuous activities like exercising for at least a week after LASIK. This includes any kind of contact sports where you could get hit in the face, head, or eyes. You need to avoid any kind of activity that will need you to bend over at the waist as well. This can cause too much intraocular pressure.
Avoid swimming, saunas and hot tubs for 4 weeks and scuba diving for 6 weeks. You can go back to all sport activities two weeks after the surgery except swimming. For contact sports, make sure you use protective polycarbonate sports glasses.
How hard is it to dislodge a LASIK flap? In the first few days, even mild rubbing or bumping can move the flap. After healing, everyday life is safe, though significant trauma—such as an eye injury during sport—could still dislodge it years later.
The majority of LASIK patients are back to their normal routine within a day or two. In fact, if you're a LASIK patient, you'll most likely be able to return to work the next morning after surgery!
Key Takeaways. Do not use any digital devices for 24 hours after LASIK and then gradually increase your use over the course of 2-3 weeks. Heightened screen time can cause eye strain, dryness, and irritation, particularly after LASIK surgery. After LASIK, your eyes will be more sensitive to stimulating screens.
By the 10-year mark, your original LASIK correction still holds. However, some patients may experience minor changes in their vision due to: Natural aging of the eye. Slight refractive shifts over time (especially if vision was unstable pre-LASIK)
For some people, LASIK may not lead to immediate results. They may notice that their vision improves over the course of weeks or months after the surgery, says Dr. Polk. In fact, it can take 3 to 6 months for vision to fully stabilize.
Typically, eye drops are needed approximately every 2 hours for at least 10 weeks post-LASIK. After that, you can use them at your own discretion to maintain eye lubrication and comfort.
If you rub your eyes within the first few days of having the LASIK procedure, you may increase your risk of complications that may lead to vision vision loss. Although this complication can be successfully treated by your physician, it may necessitate additional procedures, and it may lead to a longer recovery time.
Your eyes will need time to adjust to their new normal after LASIK. Again, it is best to wait at least one to two days after the procedure before spending time in front of a screen again.
In 2010, Brad Pitt, one of Hollywood's most recognisable faces, underwent LASIK laser eye surgery, a decision that had a dramatic effect on both his personal and professional life. Well known for his iconic roles and red carpet charm, Pitt kept his battle with impaired vision largely under the radar.
Nicole Kidman's results after LASIK
The procedure gave Kidman perfect 20/20 eyesight. She was amazed by how long she had lived with poor vision: “I can't believe I spent so many years blurry… Now I notice if people are watching me, but I also smile right back if someone waves, which helps”.
Global music icon Ed Sheeran has swapped his glasses for crystal-clear vision, thanks to life-changing laser eye surgery at EuroEyes. For years, Ed Sheeran lived behind lenses. “I've spent 28 years looking through Plexiglas,” he admitted.
The 30 x 30 x 30 Rule: Every 30 minutes, look away from the screen for 30 seconds and focus on something at least 30 feet away.
Follow the 10-10-10 rule if you must spend significant time looking at any type of digital screen. Every 10 minutes, take a break and look at something 10 feet away for 10 seconds. You can even set an alarm on your phone or watch as a reminder. Doing this will help you avoid eye fatigue and headaches.
Televisions contribute to eye strain just like any other device, even though the larger screen effects are studied less than phones and laptops.