Can I take a shower after LASIK surgery?

You can shower from the day after LASIK (Day 1), but you must avoid getting water, shampoo, or soap in your eyes for at least 1 week. Take extreme care when washing hair and keep your face tilted back.

Key Facts

• Showering allowed from Day 1 post-LASIK (avoid face and eye area)
• No water contact with the eyes for 7 days
• Shampoo and soap entering the eye can cause infection and irritation
• Swimming showers and saunas must be avoided for 4 weeks
• Use a damp cloth to clean around the eye area in week 1

Guidelines & Tips

• Tilt your head fully back under the shower to keep water off your face
• Keep eyes tightly closed during any hair washing
• Use a face cloth to clean your face instead of splashing water
• Pat — never rub — the area around your eyes dry
• Avoid steam rooms, hot showers with steam, and saunas for 4 weeks
• Use your prescribed eye drops after any accidental water exposure