Housework After ICL Surgery: Essential Advice from Blue Fin Vision® Eye Clinic
- Posted
- Medically Reviewed by Mr Mfazo Hove Consultant Ophthalmologist
- Author: Chris Dunnington
- Published: August 13, 2025
Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) surgery is a modern vision correction procedure that offers clear sight without the daily limitations of glasses or contact lenses. At Blue Fin Vision®, a leading eye clinic with locations in Harley Street and Weymouth Street, London, as well as clinics in Essex and Hertfordshire, our top-rated team of doctors and specialists are committed to guiding you through every step of your ICL journey – including your safe return to daily housework.
This article draws on the expertise of our top doctors and leading surgeons to provide precise, personalised advice on resuming housework and household chores after ICL surgery. Our focus is on your wellbeing, fast recovery, and optimal surgical results using the latest technology.
Understanding ICL Surgery Recovery
ICL surgery, also known as implantable collamer lens surgery or phakic intraocular lens implantation, is a sophisticated procedure that places a soft, biocompatible lens inside the eye to correct nearsightedness (myopia), with or without astigmatism. The process is minimally invasive, and with skilled hands such as those at Blue Fin Vision®, most patients experience rapid improvement in vision and return to daily life within days. Nevertheless, the healing process is a crucial phase where your decisions make a real impact on your long-term results.
Housework After ICL Surgery: What You Need to Know
Resuming housework after vision correction surgery is a common concern for many patients. Everyday tasks – cleaning, laundry, cooking, dusting, and gardening – pose certain risks in the initial post-operative period. Our recommendations are designed to balance the need for home and family routines with the imperative to prioritise eye health and surgical recovery.
Immediate Post-Operative Period (First 48 Hours)
- Rest Is Critical: Take at least the first day completely off from housework, including light tasks. Rest enables your eyes to recover from surgery and minimises the risk of complications.
- Avoid Bending and Lifting: Sudden movement or straining (such as bending over to pick up items or heavy lifting) can increase intraocular pressure and potentially disturb the position of the ICL. For at least 48 hours after surgery, avoid any activity where your head drops below your waist or requires forceful exertion.
The First Week: Light Activity Guidance
- Light Housework: Gentle activities such as organising papers, light tidying, or preparing simple meals may be resumed after 48 hours, provided you feel comfortable and your vision is stable.
- Avoid Water and Dust Exposure: Cleaning bathrooms, kitchens, or any task generating splashes, aerosolised cleaning agents, or dust should be postponed for at least one week. Exposure to water, especially if contaminated, raises the risk of eye infection.
- No Heavy Lifting or Vigorous Chores: Avoid vacuuming, mopping, moving furniture, window cleaning, or carrying shopping bags during the first week. These actions involve sudden movements or increased intraocular pressure.
Two Weeks Post-Surgery: Carefully Expanding Activity
- Gradual Resumption of Normal Chores: Unless advised otherwise during your follow-up at Blue Fin Vision®, start to resume more regular housework after the first week.
- Personal Hygiene: Showering is permitted from the first day, but take care to prevent water, shampoo, or soap from entering your eyes. Avoid hot, steamy environments (like saunas) for at least two weeks post-surgery.
- Continue to Avoid High-Risk Activities: Do not use harsh chemical cleaners or undertake home repairs or gardening until your eye specialist gives you explicit clearance. Allergens, soil, and chemicals pose a risk to healing eyes.
General Precautionary Measures
- Hand Hygiene: Always wash your hands before touching your eyes or administering prescribed drops.
- No Eye Rubbing: It is vital not to rub or press on your eyes, especially in the first week after ICL surgery.
- Protective Measures: Wear any recommended eye shields at night to avoid accidental trauma while sleeping, especially if you are prone to tossing and turning.
- Follow-Up Appointments: Attend all scheduled post-operative visits at Blue Fin Vision®. Our top specialists will monitor your healing and communicate when it is safe to fully return to all forms of housework.
When to Contact Your Eye Clinic
Contact your Blue Fin Vision® clinic immediately if you experience:
- Persistent or severe pain
- Sudden loss or blurring of vision
- Redness, light sensitivity, or discharge from the eye
Rapid intervention can prevent complications and safeguard your vision.
Why Choose Blue Fin Vision® for ICL Surgery?
Blue Fin Vision® Eye Clinic is proud to offer one of the best vision correction services in London and beyond. Our Harley Street and Weymouth Street clinics embody our ethos of exceptional patient care and precision. Here’s why patients trust us with their sight:
- Top-Rated, Experienced Surgeons: Our consultants are among the leading surgeons nationally, renowned for their professionalism, expertise, and patient outcomes.
- Personalised, Compassionate Care: Every patient is unique. We take the time to listen to your lifestyle needs and guide your recovery to ensure the best results.
- State-of-the-Art Technology: Blue Fin Vision® uses the latest generation of ICL lenses and diagnostic tools, ensuring you receive precise, efficient, and safe care.
- Dedicated Aftercare: Our support does not end with surgery. We provide structured follow-up, ongoing advice, and are always available for reassurance throughout your recovery.
Your Recovery, Your Vision - Entrust It to the Experts
Household tasks are an everyday reality. With the right guidance and the care of Blue Fin Vision®’s top doctors, you can confidently return to housework after ICL surgery, knowing you are supported by a team committed to the highest standards of safety and clinical excellence.
For those considering implantable collamer lens surgery, trust your vision to London’s best at Blue Fin Vision® Eye Clinic. Book your ICL surgery assessment with our top-rated specialists at Harley Street or Weymouth Street. Experience expert, compassionate eye care designed just for you.
If you have any questions about ICL surgery recovery, your eligibility, or our services in London, Essex, and Hertfordshire, reach out to Blue Fin Vision® – where your vision is our priority and our promise.
