You can usually shower soon after LASIK, but care is needed to keep water, soap, and shampoo out of your eyes in the early days. This reduces irritation and infection risk.
First Few Days
Gentle precautions are important while the flap is fresh.
- Shower with your eyes closed and avoid directing the spray at your face.
- Do not rub your eyes if water or shampoo splashes onto them; instead, let it rinse away gently and use lubricating drops afterwards.
- Avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, and saunas, which pose higher infection risks.
- Pat the area around the eyes dry with a clean towel rather than rubbing.
After the First Week
Restrictions gradually relax as healing progresses.
- You can usually return to your normal shower routine while still avoiding vigorous eye rubbing.
- Check with your surgeon about timing for swimming and underwater activities.
- Continue using drops as recommended, especially if the shower or bathroom environment feels drying.
- Report any persistent irritation, redness, or blurred vision so it can be assessed promptly.
