Can I Play Sport And Drive After Laser Surgery?

One of the generally accepted truths of life is that everyone is different. As such, anyone who is considering Laser Eye Surgery will naturally have their own specific concerns and questions relating to the treatment. But, that isn’t to say that these questions don’t overlap.

One of the most common concerns we discuss with our patients relates to the recovery process – specifically, the restrictions on playing sports and driving following Laser Eye Surgery.

This is an understandable concern, particularly for those that enjoy being active or have to drive for work. The good news is that, here at London Vision Clinic, we use the latest Laser Eye Surgery technology to ensure our patients are back to ordinary life – even extraordinary life – as soon as possible.

You can learn more about the post-surgery recovery process, here.

In the video below, London Vision Clinic founder, Professor Dan Reinstein explains just how quick your recovery could be.

Can I Drive After Surgery?

It might surprise you to learn that the majority of patients treated at London Vision Clinic are able to get back in the driving seat just one day after their surgery. At your one-day consultation, your surgeon will assess your vision outcomes and determine whether or not you are ready to drive.

In some cases, it may be recommended that you wait a day or two longer to ensure your eyesight is completely stable. Nonetheless, 98% of our patients are deemed to be up to the driving standard – or better – within just 24 hours of their treatment.

It is generally advised that you only travel short distances, to begin with. This is more down to your need for lubricating eye drops as a common side effect of Laser Eye Surgery is eye dryness in the days following the procedure.

Can I Play Sport After Laser Surgery?

Immediately following your surgery, you will be advised to take a short break from extensive sports and physical activity. But, don’t worry, if you have had LASIK or ReLEx SMILE surgery (which most of our patients have), you can usually be back to many of your usual activities in as little as two weeks. This can include football, swimming and skiing.

The only restriction at this stage is that you must wear protective eyewear. You should also avoid activities that may lead to physical contact with your eyes. These precautions help to ensure your recovery goes as smoothly as possible, giving you the best long-term results.

For higher-impact sports – such as boxing or martial arts – it is recommended that you wait at least one month before getting back in the saddle, so to speak. You can in, however, return to training following the necessary precautions outlined above.

Laser Eye Surgery can be a huge benefit for those of us who love playing sports. Find out why, here.

To Book a Consultation at London Vision Clinic or to find out more about the recovery process, get in touch with one of our friendly clinic coordinators today.