When can I exercise after PRK?

General information about typical recovery, not medical advice. Every eye and every surgery is different, and your surgeon's instructions override anything on this page. Read our full disclaimer.

Short answer

Avoid strenuous activity for up to a week, then ease back in as your surgeon clears you.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology says you should avoid strenuous activity for up to a week after PRK because it can slow the healing process.

The reason is the open surface. StatPearls describes re-epithelialization taking about 3 to 5 days, and until that layer closes, sweat running into the eye, dust, and the urge to rub are all working against you. Light walking is usually fine early. Heavy lifting, running, and anything that makes you sweat into your eyes usually waits.

After the first week, most people build back gradually. Gym equipment and shared mats are a hygiene issue while you are still on antibiotic drops, so wash your hands and keep them away from your eyes. Anything with contact or flying objects is a separate question, covered under contact sports.

When	Typical guidance
Days 0-7	Avoid strenuous activity. Light walking is usually acceptable.
Week 2	Many people restart low impact cardio and light weights once cleared.
Weeks 3-4	Most non contact exercise resumes. Avoid rubbing sweat out of your eyes.
Swimming and water sports	Handled separately. See the swimming answer.

Call your surgeon now if you notice any of these

Severe or worsening eye pain after day 3 or 4, when pain should be easing rather than increasing
Pain that is not helped by your prescribed medicine or by over the counter medicine
Thick yellow, green, or crusting discharge from the eye
Vision that suddenly gets worse after it had been improving
A new white or cloudy spot visible on the cornea
The bandage contact lens falls out, folds, or moves off center before your surgeon removes it
A sudden sharp pain on waking or on opening the eye, which can signal a recurrent corneal erosion
Increasing redness, swelling of the lids, or increasing light sensitivity after the first few days
Any new flashes of light, a shower of floaters, or a curtain or shadow across your vision

These warning signs after PRK can point to problems that need same-day care. Do not wait for your next scheduled visit. If you cannot reach your surgeon's office, use their on-call line, or go to an emergency room.

Sources: American Academy of Ophthalmology; StatPearls Publishing, NCBI Bookshelf; EyeWiki, American Academy of Ophthalmology; Journal of Current Ophthalmology

Sources

What Is Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)? American Academy of Ophthalmology. Accessed 2026-08-25.
Photorefractive Keratectomy (StatPearls) StatPearls Publishing, NCBI Bookshelf. Accessed 2026-08-25.

When can I exercise after PRK?

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