Alcohol and smoking affect healing after any surgical procedure — LASIK included. Here is a practical, evidence-based guide.
Alcohol After LASIK
- Day of surgery and Day 1: No alcohol — you may be taking sedatives or antibiotics
- Days 2–7: Avoid alcohol, as it causes dehydration which worsens dry eyes
- After 1 week: Moderate alcohol consumption is generally acceptable — stay well-hydrated and continue using artificial tear drops
The primary concern with alcohol post-LASIK is dehydration. Alcohol is a diuretic that reduces your body’s water content, exacerbating dry eye symptoms that are already more pronounced in the healing phase.
Smoking After LASIK
Smoking significantly impairs wound healing by reducing oxygen delivery to tissues. After LASIK:
- Avoid smoking for at least 2 weeks post-surgery — ideally longer
- Tobacco smoke is a direct corneal irritant — even passive smoking can trigger inflammation and dry eye
- Long-term smoking is associated with reduced tear film quality, which can permanently worsen LASIK-related dry eye
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