Why should I not run after lasik?

September 2, 2008 8:20 AM

Why should I not run after lasik?

I finally signed up to get (femto) lasik later this month and the docs told me not to go running/working out for two weeks after getting the procedure. I forgot to ask them why.

any ideas?

posted by krautland to Health & Fitness (8 answers total)

Doesn't lasik involving slicing a flap of the eye? I'm assuming that bouncing up and down wouldn't be good for it healing in place properly, but I've never actually had lasik.
posted by sharkfu at 8:23 AM on September 2, 2008

I'd also guess what sharkfu said. You don't want your cornea falling off!
posted by Large Marge at 8:27 AM on September 2, 2008

Best answer: I was told that they don't want the bacteria from the sweat to drip into your eyes.
posted by grateful at 8:32 AM on September 2, 2008

It's both the sweat/grim that might get in your eyes and the deformation of the eyeball caused by your footfalls.
posted by fake at 8:51 AM on September 2, 2008

I ran after about three days. YMMV, but I would do it anyway and just take it easy. Your cornea is not going to fall off. The bouncing won't be problem. MAYBE bacteria.
posted by sweetkid at 9:40 AM on September 2, 2008

Is there a possibility that raising your heart rate/blood pressure through exercise might burst some capillaries?
posted by kittyprecious at 9:44 AM on September 2, 2008

Mod note: a few comments removed - don't be dorks please, thanks.
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 9:51 AM on September 2, 2008

Best answer: I had lasik in February. and yes, it's because of sweat and things flying into your eye that you can't control. Plus it's so easy to become distracted from the "don't touch your eye!" rule whether it be your finger or a towel as you wipe your face, etc.
posted by spec80 at 10:44 AM on September 2, 2008