What Not to Do After Laser Eye Surgery

Laser eye surgery can be life-changing, offering clearer vision and greater freedom from glasses or contact lenses. However, your results depend heavily on how well you care for your eyes during the healing process. Even small mistakes in the days and weeks after surgery can affect comfort, recovery time, and visual outcomes. To help you protect your investment in your vision, here’s a guide to what not to do after laser eye surgery and why following post-operative instructions is so important.

Don’t Rub or Touch Your Eyes

Rubbing your eyes is one of the most common mistakes after laser eye surgery. Your eyes are especially vulnerable during the early healing phase, and rubbing can:

Disrupt the healing cornea
Increase the risk of infection
Cause irritation or inflammation

If your eyes feel itchy or dry, use only the prescribed or recommended lubricating eye drops. If discomfort persists, contact your eye doctor rather than touching your eyes.

Don’t Skip Prescribed Eye Drops

Post-surgery eye drops play a critical role in preventing infection, reducing inflammation, and keeping your eyes properly lubricated. Skipping doses or stopping too early can slow healing and increase the risk of complications.

Even if your eyes feel fine, continue using your drops exactly as directed. Healing continues beneath the surface, and consistency is key to long-term success.

Don’t Expose Your Eyes to Irritants

In the days following surgery, avoid environments that may irritate your eyes, including:

Dusty or smoky areas
Strong wind or air blowing directly into your eyes
Chlorinated pools, hot tubs, and lakes

These irritants can cause dryness, discomfort, or infection while your eyes are healing.

Don’t Wear Eye Makeup Too Soon

Eye makeup can introduce bacteria and particles into your eyes, increasing the risk of infection. Avoid mascara, eyeliner, eyeshadow, and eye creams until your eye doctor gives you the green light - typically at least one week after surgery. When you do return to makeup, consider using new products to reduce the risk of contamination.

Don’t Drive Until Cleared by Your Doctor

Even if your vision seems clear shortly after surgery, your depth perception and night vision may fluctuate temporarily. Driving too soon - especially at night - can be unsafe. Always wait until your eye doctor confirms that your vision is stable and safe for driving.

Don’t Overuse Screens

Extended screen time can worsen dryness and eye strain after laser eye surgery. In the first few days, limit time spent on phones, computers, and televisions.

When you do use screens:

Take frequent breaks
Blink often
Use artificial tears as recommended

Giving your eyes regular rest helps promote faster, more comfortable healing.

Learn More About Safe Healing After Laser Eye Surgery

Laser eye surgery offers incredible benefits, but proper aftercare is essential to achieving the best possible results. By avoiding these common post-surgery mistakes and closely following your doctor’s instructions, you can protect your vision, reduce discomfort, and support a smooth recovery.

If you have questions about laser eye surgery recovery or are considering a vision correction procedure, Eye Rx is here to help. Contact us in Washington, DC at (202) 659-2010, Chevy Chase, MD at (301) 450-8300, Arlington, VA at (703) 553-1094, Dumfries, VA at (571) 404-0188, Stone Ridge, VA at call (703) 646- 8002, or Aldie, VA at (703) 646-8002.