PRK procedure is comparatively more invasive procedure and so the recovery time is more than the other laser eye surgeries. So, during this recovery period, physical activities must be avoided and good rest must be taken to ensure that the process of healing is not disturbed and better vision is ensured.
Waiting Period for Swimming
After PRK laser eye surgery, the patient can resume to swimming, only after one week period and this is the minimum time. If all the other conditions are well and at optimum level, this period is acceptable. This waiting period time must be more, in cases of higher risks and complications. Still, there are certain conditions to resume this swimming.
After Two Weeks
After a week, swimming activity can be resumed, but there are certain limitations. Swimming is allowed in only swimming pools that are clean enough and filled with clean water. The patient should avoid swimming in lakes, rivers and oceans. Even before resuming this activity, you need to get the confirmation from your eye surgeon, who has best known about your eye condition and associated risks and complications.
After Four Weeks
Swimming in outdoors and outdoor water bodies is allowed only after a period of two weeks.
Care During Swimming
Special care is mandatory, when the patient goes for swimming. Since, most of the swimming pools are at outdoors, the patient has to wear sunglasses, while going to the outdoors. On the other hand, goggles are mandatory to wear, while swimming. It is important because when the eyes are opened underwater, any debris or dust particles should not disturb the surface of the eye.
Disturbances During Swimming
Before going for swimming, make sure that the guidelines and recommendations provided by the PRK medical center are clearly followed. If the patient experiences any kind of disturbances or accidental events during swimming, immediate first aid and necessary medications must be taken. Even it is a smaller issue, it must be addressed to the respective eye surgeon, either in the following follow-up visit or immediately, in cases of any severe or serious issues.
Usually, during the recovery time, certain risks and symptoms are common after PRK and even any other laser eye surgery. These symptoms should not be intensified with the process of swimming. So, make sure all the precautions are followed and no disturbances are occurred, when resuming swimming.