A lot of patients ask how long after their laser eye treatment can they go swimming. Although swimming itself is not a problem, the chlorine in the water tends to make your eyes sting/itch which means you are more likely to want to rub them. It is this rubbing of the eyes rather than the actual chlorine that is the main cause for concern. This is especially the case if you have had Lasik eye surgery, as during this procedure a flap has been created. The flap needs to be allowed to heal fully without it being moved or dislodged, which can occur with rubbing or itching of the eyes

There is also an increased risk of infection immediately following your laser eye surgery which is another reason not to swim. You are more likely to pick up an infection if you get water from the swimming pool in your eyes.

It is generally advised that swimming should be avoided for at least 2 weeks following laser eye surgery. We would probably suggest that when you do start swimming, you should wear goggles for up to 6 weeks post surgery. You may be able to swim sooner after LASEK as there is no flap created, but this should be checked with your treating surgeon. As with all advice your surgeon's word is final and you should always check with them when it is safe to carry out certain activities. Everyone's eyes heal at different rates and this may affect how soon you can begin such activities. Your surgeon is best placed to know how well your eyes are healing.

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