Screen time after LASIK needs special attention—your eyes are healing, and too much exposure can slow recovery or cause discomfort. But with the right steps, you can get back to your digital life safely. Curious about when to resume device use and how to do it without strain? Keep reading—your eyes will thank you!
Introduction
So, you’ve just had LASIK or you’re planning to—congrats! LASIK is a game-changer, helping millions ditch glasses and contacts for clearer vision. But what happens after the surgery? How do you protect your freshly treated eyes, especially in a screen-heavy world?
Most of us spend hours in front of screens—phones, laptops, TVs—and after LASIK, your eyes are more sensitive. Knowing how and when to return to digital devices safely is key to fast recovery and long-term comfort. This article walks you through what screen time does to your eyes, how LASIK changes things, and what you can do to stay safe and comfortable during the healing period.
How Screens Affect the Eyes
Before LASIK, screens can already stress your eyes. Staring at them for hours often leads to symptoms like:
- Dryness
- Redness
- Blurry vision
- Headaches
- Eye strain
This is called Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), and it’s very common. Our blink rate drops when we stare at screens—normally we blink 15-20 times per minute, but it can drop to 5 or 6 while using a device. Less blinking means less moisture, leading to dryness and discomfort.
“Eyes are meant to move, not stare,” says Dr. William Bates in Better Eyesight Without Glasses (Chapter 4). “Stillness and strain weaken vision.”
What Changes After LASIK?
After LASIK, your cornea—the clear front surface of your eye—is healing. Even though LASIK is safe and effective, your eyes are more vulnerable right after surgery. Digital screens can:
- Delay healing due to strain
- Increase dryness, which is already common post-LASIK
- Cause discomfort or blurry vision
That’s why eye doctors recommend avoiding screens for at least 24 hours after LASIK. But full recovery takes weeks, and even after the first day, overusing screens can make your eyes tired and dry.
According to Dr. Agarwal’s clinic: “You should limit your computer and mobile use in the first 7–10 days. Blinking often and using lubricating drops is a must.”
Safe Screen Habits After LASIK
The good news? You don’t have to avoid screens forever. With the right habits, you can safely use your devices again. Here’s how:
When to Resume Screen Time
| Time After LASIK | Screen Use Recommendation |
| First 24 Hours | No screens at all—rest your eyes |
| Day 2–7 | Minimal use (10–15 minutes every few hours) |
| Week 2–4 | Moderate use with frequent breaks |
| After 1 Month | Resume normal use with good screen habits |
Tips for Healthy Screen Use
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds
- Keep screens at arm’s length
- Use artificial tears or lubricating drops often
- Blink consciously—train yourself to blink more
- Reduce screen brightness or use night mode
- Avoid screen use in dry, windy, or dusty environments
- Use a humidifier to keep air moist
More Helpful Tips to Reduce Eye Strain
Let’s make it even easier with these two bullet lists:
Do’s:
- Use blue light filters or glasses
- Adjust font size and screen contrast
- Sit in a well-lit room
- Keep your screen clean
- Take naps to relax your eyes
Don’ts:
- Don’t rub your eyes (especially right after LASIK)
- Don’t read or watch from a close distance
- Don’t use devices in bed with lights off
- Don’t skip your follow-up appointments
- Don’t forget to hydrate!
Pros & Cons of Using Screens After LASIK
| Pros | Cons |
| You stay connected and productive | Risk of dry eyes increases |
| Entertainment and learning | Eye fatigue and blurry vision |
| Safe use boosts confidence in recovery | Can delay healing if overused |
Pro Tip: Night Vision After LASIK: What You Need to Know
A Word on Eye Exercises
A helpful way to support your eyes after LASIK is with gentle eye exercises. As Dr. Gabor Maté writes in When the Body Says No (Chapter 5), “Listening to what the body is telling us is the first step in healing.” The same goes for your eyes—rest and movement both play key roles.
An app like VisionUp can guide you through simple, daily exercises that support healthy vision, reduce fatigue, and strengthen eye muscles after LASIK. Think of it as physical therapy for your eyes.
Conclusion
Screen time after LASIK needs thoughtful attention. Your eyes are healing, and how you treat them now can affect your comfort and clarity in the long run. Stick to good habits, take frequent breaks, and ease your way back into digital life.
Key Takeaways:
- Avoid screens for the first 24 hours after LASIK.
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule and use artificial tears to avoid dry eyes.
- Ease into screen use slowly, and protect your eyes with proper lighting, blinking, and positioning.
Your eyes have a bright future ahead—help them get there, one blink at a time.
FAQs
1. When can I use my phone after LASIK?
You can briefly check your phone 24 hours after LASIK but limit use for the first few days.
2. Why do my eyes feel dry after looking at screens post-LASIK?
Screens reduce blink rate. After LASIK, dry eyes are more common. Use drops and blink more.
3. Can screen time damage my vision after LASIK?
Not permanently, but it can cause strain and delay healing if overused.
4. Should I avoid work that involves screens after LASIK?
Yes, for a few days. Gradually resume work with screen breaks and protective habits.
5. What’s the best screen habit after LASIK?
Use the 20-20-20 rule, keep screens at eye level, and blink often.