LASIK is a commonly performed procedure that can improve vision with lasting results. After the procedure, most patients experience minimal discomfort and a fairly quick recovery. But even during this recovery phase, certain habits can influence how well your eyes heal. One of the most frequently asked questions after LASIK is whether exposure to sunlight poses any risks.
Why Sunlight Matters After LASIK
After LASIK, your eyes are in a sensitive state. Light sensitivity is a common effect, and your eyes may respond more strongly to brightness than they used to. This sensitivity is temporary for most patients, but how you manage your environment during this time can affect your comfort.
Sunlight contains ultraviolet (UV) rays, and these can irritate healing eyes. UV light exposure may not directly harm the surgical results, but it can lead to discomfort, dryness, or slow down the natural recovery process if care isn’t taken. The goal is to protect your eyes during the early stages of healing when they are adjusting.
What Happens If You Go Outside Too Soon?
Stepping outside into bright light immediately after LASIK may feel uncomfortable. You might squint, tear up, or want to close your eyes altogether. That’s your body signaling that your eyes aren’t ready to handle strong light just yet.
While short exposure isn’t likely to cause long-term issues, prolonged sunlight exposure without protection is not recommended in the first few weeks. That doesn’t mean you need to stay indoors, but you will want to adjust your habits a bit. Wearing the right eye protection when outdoors can help ease this transition.
How Long Should You Be Cautious?
In the first 24 to 48 hours after LASIK, you’ll likely be asked to rest your eyes and avoid activities that involve light strain. This includes staying away from bright sunlight. By day three or four, most people can go outside, but sunglasses aren’t optional. They’re part of your recovery toolkit.
Doctors generally recommend wearing dark, wraparound sunglasses for at least one to two weeks following the procedure, even on cloudy days. The shape of wraparound glasses offers added coverage and blocks light from the sides.
If you plan to spend extended time outdoors, like walking, driving, or sitting in the sun, it’s best to do so with strong UV protection. Use sunglasses that clearly state they block 100% of UVA and UVB rays. This guidance usually continues for the first few months post-surgery, especially in areas with intense sun exposure.
Is Indoor Light a Problem?
Most indoor light doesn’t pose the same challenges as sunlight. Still, overly bright artificial lighting can cause eye fatigue in the early days. Dim your screens, avoid overhead fluorescent lighting when possible, and let your eyes rest often. Dryness or minor irritation may occur as your eyes adjust, and softer lighting environments can help ease those effects.
You won’t need to live in the dark, but you will need to be mindful. Just like any other healing process, giving your body the right conditions will encourage better results.
Driving After LASIK and Sunlight Glare
Another concern for many patients is driving, especially during the day. Glare from sunlight, particularly off car windows or pavement, can be more noticeable right after surgery.
Most patients are cleared to drive within 24 to 48 hours. However, it’s smart to drive only during the daytime at first and bring sunglasses with you at all times. Polarized lenses may be helpful here, as they reduce glare from flat surfaces and improve comfort in bright conditions.
If you notice halos, starbursts, or excessive glare while driving, especially at dawn or dusk, give your eyes more time before resuming longer drives.
How Sunglasses Help Healing
Sunglasses do more than ease light sensitivity. They help protect against dry air, dust, and small airborne debris. These outside factors might seem minor, but for healing eyes, they can cause discomfort or temporary irritation.
Look for sunglasses that sit close to your face, wrap around the sides, and have UV-blocking labels. Your doctor may even provide a pair immediately after the procedure for this exact reason.
Wearing sunglasses becomes more than just a style choice after LASIK. For the first several weeks, they serve as a small but effective shield for your healing eyes.
Can You Wear Contacts or Makeup to Block Light?
After LASIK, contact lenses are not needed for vision correction and should not be worn unless directed otherwise by your doctor. As for makeup or cosmetic lenses designed to reduce glare, these are not safe substitutes for real UV-blocking eyewear and should be avoided until your doctor says it’s safe to resume cosmetic use.
Most doctors advise holding off on eye makeup, creams, or serums for at least one week. This helps prevent particles from entering the eye and reduces the risk of accidental rubbing, which can interfere with healing.
Should You Avoid All Outdoor Activity?
Not necessarily. Gentle outdoor walks or time spent in shaded areas are okay after the first few days. The key is protection. As long as you wear appropriate sunglasses and avoid rubbing your eyes, you can still enjoy some fresh air and sunlight in moderation.
You don’t need to give up being outside-you just need to approach it a bit more carefully for a short period.
What Your Doctor Will Recommend
Every person’s healing timeline is a little different. Your doctor will provide guidance tailored to your specific case and how your eyes respond in the first few days after surgery.
Generally, the advice includes:
- Wear sunglasses every time you go outside.
- Avoiding bright sunlight for at least one week.
- Not rubbing or pressing on your eyes.
- Using prescribed eye drops as instructed.
- Asking questions during follow-up visits.
The goal isn’t to avoid the sun forever, just to ease into it.
Sunlight doesn’t need to be your enemy after LASIK, but some caution is smart in the early recovery period. Protect your eyes with proper eyewear, follow your doctor’s advice, and allow your vision to adjust naturally.
Ready to take the next step toward clearer vision? Schedule a consultation with SuraVision today to discuss your options and learn more about LASIK Surgery. Call us at 713-730-2020 or book your appointment online!