LASIK Advantages For Athletes

Advances In LASIK

The procedure has come a long way since American ophthalmologists started using lasers to sculpt corneas about 20+ years ago. (LASIK stands for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis.) The first laser eye surgery was known as photorefractive keratectomy or PRK. It was nearly identical to later LASIK practices -- except for one crucial exception.

In PRK, the surgeon removes the epithelium, the surface layer of the cornea. That exposes the stroma, a deeper layer where laser resurfacing can take place. This usually means a period of possible post-operative pain along with delayed healing, while the surface abrasion smooths out. But LASIK surgery creates a flap to lift the epithelium out of place, leaving it largely intact, and replaces it after surgery.

LASIK Advantages For Athletes

Generally, people heal more rapidly and comfortably under LASIK. However, certain groups – notably the U.S. military – had concerns. They worried that this flap of tissue might become dislodged by a violent event, such as an explosion or ejection from a plane. After studying results for almost a decade, the Navy approved LASIK even for personnel in high-risk professions. That’s why surgeons feel confident that people playing contact sports – boxing, football, basketball -- can have successful results. Medical advances have vastly improved LASIK advantages for athletes.

Are You a Candidate?

Not everyone will be a candidate, of course. Teenagers should avoid LASIK until their vision stabilizes as adults. Pregnant and nursing women should delay it. People with certain conditions may be too at-risk: Patients who have corneas that are too thin, retinal tears, autoimmune diseases, severe dry eyes and other conditions may need to make a different choice.

A consultation with an eye surgeon will determine whether you should consider the procedure. The doctor will check for astigmatism and other irregularities in the shape of the cornea and will explain risks and post-operative conditions you may encounter. If you elect to have LASIK and now wear contact lenses, you’ll need to stop using them some weeks before the operation.

Recovery

Post-operative recuperation takes less time than it used to. Even ultra-cautious Navy doctors now let service members return to unrestricted duty 30 days after having LASIK. Navy SEALs in training commonly resume extreme physical activity two weeks afterward. Athletes can expect the same rate of recovery, though they should be gentle with their eyes for a full month after surgery: no rubbing, let alone pokes from human elbows or hockey sticks. All in all, LASIK advantages for athletes far outweigh the risks, with minimal recovery.

LASIK at Horizon

To schedule a consultation at Horizon Eye Care, use our Patient Portal or call 704-365-0555 Monday – Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Friday 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

LASIK FAQs for Athletes

How soon after LASIK can I return to sports?

Most athletes can resume non-contact sports like running, swimming (with goggles), and cycling within a week. For contact sports or activities with risk of eye impact, you should wait 2-4 weeks. Navy SEALs in training typically resume extreme physical activity after two weeks, while full unrestricted duty is allowed after 30 days. Your doctor will provide specific guidelines based on your sport.<

Will I see halos or have night vision problems that affect my performance?

Some patients experience halos around lights and starbursts at night for several weeks after surgery. These effects are typically not debilitating and disappear within six months. Most athletes find these temporary visual effects don't significantly impact performance, especially during daytime activities.

What if I get sweat or dirt in my eyes during competition?

After your eyes have fully healed (typically 1 month), you can handle sweat and dirt the same way you would without contacts or glasses. During the healing period, protective eyewear is recommended for sports with environmental exposure. Long-term, many athletes report less irritation without contacts, even in challenging conditions.

If I'm not a candidate for LASIK, what are my alternatives?

If thin corneas or other factors make LASIK unsuitable, PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) is an excellent alternative that many athletes choose. It provides the same visual outcomes without creating a corneal flap. Other options include Visian ICL implants or Clear Lens Exchange, depending on your specific vision needs and eye structure.

Can LASIK give me better than 20/20 vision for sports?

Many patients achieve better than 20/20 vision after LASIK, which can be particularly advantageous for sports requiring exceptional visual acuity. Our topography-guided treatments create a personalized correction based on your eye's unique characteristics, often resulting in improved contrast sensitivity and reduced visual aberrations compared to glasses or contacts.

Is there a risk of the LASIK flap dislodging during intense physical activity?

Once healed (approximately one month), the risk of flap dislocation is extremely minimal. Studies conducted by the U.S. military confirmed LASIK's stability even under extreme conditions like explosions or aircraft ejections. For athletes concerned about this rare risk, PRK may be preferred as it doesn't create a corneal flap.