LASIK Eye Surgery and Screen Time: How Much Is Safe After Surgery?

If you’re considering LASIK or recently had the procedure, one of the first questions you probably have is, “When can I start using screens again?” It’s a very understandable concern, especially because most of us rely heavily on laptops, phones, tablets, and televisions every day. You might need screens for work, for communication, for entertainment, or even for managing your household. And with digital devices so integrated into daily life, knowing how soon you can safely return to them makes planning your recovery much easier.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through how soon you can resume screen time after LASIK, how digital devices affect healing, and what habits help you protect your eyes during the recovery process. I’ll also explain why dryness happens, what symptoms are normal, and how small adjustments to your daily routine can make a big difference. My goal is to help you enjoy a smooth recovery without feeling restricted or unsure about what’s safe.

Why Screen Time Matters After LASIK

Your eyes go through several stages of healing after LASIK. Although the procedure itself is quick, your corneal nerves take time to recover. These nerves help regulate tear production, so while your eyes are healing, they can feel drier than usual. Digital screens naturally make this dryness more noticeable because most people blink less when focused on a device.

Blinking keeps your tear film smooth and stable. When you blink less, your tears evaporate more quickly, making your eyes feel scratchy, irritated, or fatigued. That’s why screen-heavy habits can be challenging early in recovery and why it’s important to ease into digital use. Understanding this helps you make better decisions about how and when to use screens after LASIK.

How Soon Can You Use Screens After LASIK?

You should avoid all screens for the first 24 hours after surgery. During this time, your eyes need uninterrupted rest. Most people spend the first evening napping, relaxing, or listening to music or podcasts to avoid visual strain. This rest period helps your corneal flap settle and reduces irritation.

After the first 24 hours, you can begin using screens again, but gently and in moderation. A few minutes at a time is fine, and you can gradually increase duration as your eyes feel more comfortable. Many people find that small bursts of screen use don’t cause discomfort, but longer periods such as reading emails or scrolling through social media can quickly increase dryness. Your comfort is your best guide. If your eyes feel fatigued, gritty, blurry, or watery, it’s a sign to stop for a while.

Screen Use During the First Week

The first week after LASIK is a crucial period as your eyes continue to heal and adapt. During this time, it’s common to notice fluctuations in both visual clarity and comfort, particularly when using digital screens. Bright monitors, high-contrast text, or long hours on devices can feel slightly harsh, and mild dryness or fatigue may occur. Understanding what to expect can help you manage screen use without compromising recovery.

Day 2–3: Your eyes may remain sensitive, especially in bright lighting or when viewing high-contrast screens. Short periods of screen use are generally manageable, but it’s best to avoid tasks that require prolonged focus or intense visual concentration. If you must use a computer or device, take frequent breaks, keep your eyes well-lubricated with artificial tears, and reduce screen brightness whenever possible.

Day 4–7: By this stage, most people find that using screens becomes noticeably easier. Vision clarity tends to stabilise, and sensitivity usually decreases, though mild dryness may still appear intermittently. Continuing to use lubricating drops regularly, adjusting monitor height and lighting, and following healthy screen habits such as the 20-20-20 rule will help maintain comfort. Even if your eyes start feeling normal, these precautions remain important, as dryness and fatigue can still fluctuate during the first week.

Taking a gradual, mindful approach to screen use in the early recovery period helps ensure your eyes heal smoothly and reduces the risk of discomfort or temporary visual fluctuations.

Why Screens Feel Uncomfortable After LASIK

It’s common to feel increased sensitivity to screens following LASIK, and many patients notice this during the early stages of recovery. The discomfort is usually due to a combination of factors, including dryness, light sensitivity, mild glare, occasional blurriness, and general eye tiredness. These sensations occur because your corneal nerves are still regenerating and your tear film is adjusting after surgery.

As your eyes heal, these symptoms gradually improve. Most people find that screen-related discomfort eases within a few weeks, although some mild dryness or sensitivity may linger intermittently during this period. Understanding the reason behind these temporary issues can help you remain patient and confident while your vision stabilises, and it underscores the importance of proper eye care such as regular use of lubricating drops and following healthy screen habits during recovery.

How Much Screen Time Is Safe During Recovery?

There isn’t a strict limit on how many minutes or hours you can safely spend on screens after LASIK, but the key is moderation and paying close attention to how your eyes feel. Overexerting your eyes too early can increase dryness, fatigue, or temporary blurriness, so pacing yourself is essential during the first week.

A helpful approach to screen use during recovery includes:

• Use screens for short intervals (10–15 minutes at a time): Limiting continuous screen exposure reduces strain and allows your eyes to recover between sessions. Breaking up tasks into shorter intervals helps prevent irritation and keeps vision stable.
• Rest your eyes for a few minutes in between: Close your eyes, look away from the screen, or focus on distant objects to relax the focusing muscles and improve comfort. Short breaks can make a big difference in preventing fatigue and dryness.
• Avoid binge-watching, gaming, or long work sessions: Extended periods of intense visual focus can exacerbate dryness and temporarily blur vision. Gradually increasing screen time over the first week allows your eyes to adapt safely.
• Use artificial tears regularly: Frequent lubrication helps maintain tear film stability, alleviates dryness, and reduces discomfort from prolonged screen exposure. Keeping drops handy at your desk or workspace ensures consistent eye hydration.

As your eyes heal and adapt over the following weeks, they gradually become more resilient, allowing you to return to longer periods of screen use without discomfort. Following these precautions helps support a smoother, more comfortable recovery.

How Screens Affect Tear Production After LASIK

After LASIK, your eyes are in a delicate healing phase, and the tear film that keeps your eyes moist is temporarily less stable. Digital screens such as computers, tablets, and phones can make this issue more noticeable because they significantly reduce your blink rate. When you blink less frequently, your tears evaporate faster, leading to dryness and irritation.

This dryness can cause your vision to fluctuate, especially during tasks that require prolonged focus, like reading, working on detailed documents, or scrolling through devices. You might notice slight blurring or a feeling of grittiness after staring at a screen for too long. These symptoms are normal and do not indicate any damage to your eyes they are simply a sign that your eyes need a brief rest or hydration.

Using lubricating eye drops regularly helps restore moisture to the tear film and reduces these fluctuations. Taking short breaks from screens, practicing conscious blinking, and adjusting screen brightness or distance can also support comfort and help maintain stable vision throughout the day. Over the first few weeks, as your eyes heal and your tear film stabilises, these effects usually diminish significantly.

The 20-20-20 Rule: A Simple Habit That Helps a Lot

One of the most effective habits to adopt after LASIK is the 20-20-20 rule, which helps reduce eye strain and supports healthy recovery. The rule is simple: every 20 minutes, look at an object approximately 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This brief break allows your eye muscles to relax, prevents fatigue from prolonged focusing, and encourages more frequent blinking keeping your tear film stable and reducing dryness.

Many patients find that consistently following the 20-20-20 rule significantly decreases discomfort during work or screen-heavy activities. It’s particularly helpful during the first few weeks after surgery, when eyes are still adjusting and may be more sensitive to screens. You can make this habit easier to maintain by setting reminders on your phone or using apps designed to prompt regular breaks. Over time, it becomes an automatic part of your routine, helping protect your eyes and maintain comfort during extended periods of digital device use.

Adjusting Your Screen Settings to Reduce Eye Strain

Small adjustments to your digital devices can make a big difference. Consider:

Brightness – Match your screen brightness to the room lighting. Too bright or too dim can strain your eyes.

Font size – Increase text size so you don’t squint or lean in towards the screen.

Blue light reduction – Use night mode or blue-light filters. These can help reduce glare and make screens more comfortable.

Contrast – Avoid very high contrast settings, which can make your eyes work harder.

Screen distance – Keep the screen at arm’s length to reduce strain.

These adjustments help your eyes stay comfortable during early recovery.

Screen Habits That Support Faster Healing

Developing mindful screen habits can make a noticeable difference in your comfort and recovery after LASIK. Since digital devices reduce blink frequency, your eyes can dry out more quickly, which may temporarily blur your vision or cause irritation. Intentionally blinking whenever your eyes feel dry helps maintain the tear film and reduces discomfort.

Using artificial tears before and after long screen sessions keeps your eyes hydrated and can minimise fluctuations in vision. Staying well-hydrated overall by drinking water regularly also supports tear production and eye health. Adjusting your environment such as reducing overhead lighting that creates glare or positioning screens slightly below eye level helps lessen strain and dryness.

Taking regular breaks from screens every 20–30 minutes allows your eyes to rest, lubricate naturally, and recover from prolonged focus. By adopting these habits consistently, you’ll not only feel more comfortable but also support a smoother and faster healing process, allowing your vision to stabilise more quickly and reliably.

Returning to Work After LASIK When Your Job Is Screen-Heavy

If your job involves long hours at a computer such as programming, writing, engineering, data analysis, marketing, or administrative work LASIK recovery is usually manageable. Many people can return to work the next day or shortly thereafter, though it’s important to approach screen-heavy tasks gradually and listen to your eyes.

You may need to adjust your routine temporarily to support a comfortable recovery:

• Take breaks more often than usual: Frequent short pauses allow your eyes to rest and reduce strain. This can help prevent dryness, fatigue, and temporary blurriness during the early days of recovery.
• Use lubricating drops every few hours: Keeping your eyes well-hydrated is essential, especially when working with multiple screens or in air-conditioned environments. Regular drops can alleviate dryness, irritation, and discomfort.
• Reduce brightness on multiple monitors: Lowering screen brightness and adjusting contrast can minimise glare and prevent eye strain. This is particularly helpful if you work with detailed graphics, spreadsheets, or text.
• Avoid consecutive long calls or intense reading blocks: Continuous focus on screens or paperwork can increase fatigue and dryness. Spacing out calls, alternating tasks, and incorporating brief breaks gives your eyes time to recover.

If possible, it’s wise to schedule your surgery before a weekend or during a lighter work period. This allows you to ease back into your normal routine comfortably, giving your eyes the chance to adjust while maintaining productivity without overexertion.

Night-Time Screen Use After LASIK

Using screens at night can feel more intense in the early days following LASIK. Many patients notice increased sensitivity to glare, halos, or starbursts around bright lights, particularly from monitors, smartphones, or TV screens. These symptoms are a normal part of the healing process and typically improve as your eyes adjust.

To make night-time screen use more comfortable during recovery, consider the following tips:

• Dim your screen: Lowering brightness reduces glare and strain on healing eyes, making extended use more tolerable.
• Use blue-light filters: Many devices offer built-in night modes or screen filters that soften harsh light, reducing visual fatigue and improving comfort.
• Avoid staring at screens in total darkness: Working in a completely dark room can exaggerate glare and halos. Adding some ambient light helps your eyes adjust more easily.
• Increase room lighting slightly: Gentle, diffuse lighting in your workspace or living area reduces contrast between the screen and surroundings, easing strain.
• Take breaks frequently: Short pauses every 20–30 minutes allow your eyes to rest and rehydrate, helping prevent dryness or discomfort.

As your eyes continue to heal, night-time visual comfort generally improves significantly, allowing you to use screens without noticeable glare or strain.

Using Phones vs. Laptops vs. TV After LASIK

Not all screens impact your eyes in the same way after LASIK. Smaller devices require more intense focus and are usually held closer to your eyes, which can increase strain and dryness. Larger screens allow for more relaxed viewing and natural blinking, making them easier on your healing eyes.

Phones: Use your phone sparingly in the first few days after surgery. Close-up viewing encourages intense focus and reduces blink rate, which can worsen dryness and fatigue. If you need to use your phone, hold it slightly further away and take frequent breaks to rest your eyes.

Laptops and monitors: These are generally better than phones because the screen is slightly further away, but they still require regular pauses. Adjusting brightness, contrast, and position, as well as following the 20-20-20 rule, helps minimise strain during work or browsing.

Television: Watching TV is usually the most comfortable option in the early recovery period. The greater viewing distance and relaxed focus allow your eyes to blink naturally, keeping them more comfortable and hydrated.

A gradual approach starting with TV, then incorporating laptops, and finally returning to extended phone use can make screen-based tasks easier and help your eyes adapt safely during recovery.

Screens and Dryness: What to Expect Over the First Month

Dryness is the most common side effect after LASIK, and it can be more pronounced for anyone who spends significant time on digital devices. During the first few weeks, staring at screens can make your eyes feel tired, gritty, or slightly uncomfortable. It’s also normal to notice mild blurriness or fluctuations in focus, especially toward the end of long workdays or after extended reading sessions.

These sensations are temporary as your eyes gradually heal and your tear film stabilises. Most patients notice a reduction in dryness between the second and sixth week, although occasional irritation after long screen use may persist a little longer. Using lubricating eye drops, taking regular screen breaks, and practising good eye habits can help manage these effects and make your daily tasks more comfortable while your vision settles.

Daily Routines That Help Reduce Dryness

Supporting your tear film during the day is essential for comfort and recovery after LASIK. Simple daily habits can make a noticeable difference in reducing dryness and keeping your eyes healthy.

• Carry lubricating drops with you: Keeping eye drops on hand at work, home, or in your bag allows you to hydrate your eyes whenever they feel dry or tired.
• Blink slowly and fully during breaks: Consciously completing full blinks helps spread tears evenly across the surface of the eye, maintaining moisture and comfort.
• Increase humidity in dry environments: Using a humidifier at home or at your desk can prevent the air from drying out your eyes, particularly in heated or air-conditioned spaces.
• Avoid direct air from fans or air-conditioning units: Air blowing directly onto your eyes can worsen dryness and irritation. Adjust airflow or reposition yourself to reduce exposure.
• Use warm compresses if your eyelids feel tight: Gentle warmth can relax eyelid muscles and stimulate oil glands, which support a healthy tear film and reduce discomfort.
• Eat omega-3-rich foods to support tear quality: Foods like salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts can improve the quality of your natural tears, aiding overall eye comfort.

Incorporating these routines into your daily life helps create a supportive environment for healing, reduces dryness, and allows your eyes to recover more comfortably after LASIK.

Long-Term Digital Comfort After LASIK

Once your eyes have fully healed, many patients find that using digital devices becomes noticeably more comfortable than before surgery. Clear, stable vision reduces the need to squint or strain, which in turn can decrease headaches and overall eye fatigue. Many people also experience less dryness compared with when they were wearing contact lenses, as the tear film functions more effectively without the interference of lenses.

Over time, these improvements can make working on computers, scrolling on phones, or watching screens for long periods much easier. For parents, professionals, or students who spend hours in front of devices, LASIK can enhance both comfort and productivity, supporting healthier long-term eye habits.

FAQs:

1. How soon can I safely start using screens after LASIK?
   You should avoid all screens during the first 24 hours after surgery. This initial period allows your corneal flap to settle and the eyes to begin the healing process without additional strain. After this rest period, it is generally safe to start using screens in short intervals. Begin with a few minutes at a time and gradually extend usage as your eyes feel comfortable. Paying attention to any sensations of dryness, irritation, or blurriness will guide how quickly you can increase screen time. It’s important to listen to your eyes and take breaks whenever they feel fatigued, rather than following a strict timetable.
2. Why do my eyes feel dry when I look at screens after LASIK?
   Dryness occurs because the corneal nerves that help regulate tear production are temporarily affected by LASIK. While the eyes heal, the tear film is less stable, and this effect becomes more noticeable when using digital devices. Screens naturally reduce blinking, which causes tears to evaporate faster and leads to sensations of scratchiness, irritation, or fatigue. Mild visual fluctuations can also occur because the cornea is still settling and the tear film is adjusting. These symptoms are normal and typically improve as the nerves regenerate and the tear film stabilises over the following weeks.
3. Is it safe to return to work that involves long hours on a computer?
   Returning to work is possible shortly after the initial 24-hour rest, but it should be approached gradually. If your job involves extensive computer use, it’s wise to limit continuous screen time during the first week, taking frequent breaks to rest your eyes. Adjusting monitor brightness, sitting at an appropriate distance, and using lubricating drops regularly can help prevent discomfort. Over time, as your eyes adapt and dryness reduces, most people can resume normal work routines without limitations, although short breaks and mindful eye care remain helpful during the early recovery period.
4. How much screen time is too much during recovery?
   There isn’t a strict limit, but overexerting your eyes can increase dryness, fatigue, and temporary blurriness. Early in the recovery phase, long stretches of screen use should be avoided. Watching television from a comfortable distance is generally easier on healing eyes than prolonged phone or laptop use. Small, controlled sessions with frequent breaks allow the eyes to recover and help maintain stable vision. As healing progresses, longer periods of screen time become manageable, and you can gradually return to your typical usage habits.
5. Will glare, halos, or light sensitivity make screen use harder?
   Mild sensitivity to light, glare, or halos is a common part of early LASIK recovery. These symptoms may be more noticeable when looking at bright screens, particularly at night. They are temporary and generally decrease as the corneal nerves and tear film stabilise. Adjusting screen brightness, using blue-light filters or night modes, and ensuring ambient lighting in your environment can help reduce these visual disturbances. Most patients find that any visual discomfort eases within the first few weeks, allowing comfortable screen use both during the day and at night.
6. Are some screens harder on the eyes than others after LASIK?
   Yes. Smaller screens, such as smartphones, require more intense focus and are held closer to the eyes, which can increase strain and dryness. Laptops and computer monitors are slightly easier because they are positioned further away, but extended use can still contribute to fatigue. Televisions tend to be the least stressful, as they allow a more relaxed viewing distance and natural blinking. Many patients find that starting with TV and gradually moving to laptops and phones allows their eyes to adapt safely during the early recovery period.
7. How can I minimise dryness while using screens after surgery?
   Frequent use of artificial tears is essential to maintain eye hydration, particularly during screen sessions. Consciously blinking, adjusting screen brightness and contrast, and taking short breaks all help preserve tear film stability. Environmental adjustments, such as avoiding direct airflow from fans or air conditioning and maintaining a comfortable humidity level, also support recovery. Eating a balanced diet with omega-3-rich foods may enhance tear quality. Together, these strategies help reduce dryness, prevent visual fluctuations, and improve overall comfort during the healing phase.
8. How long do visual fluctuations or temporary blurriness last when using screens?
   Visual fluctuations are normal for the first week or two after LASIK, particularly during prolonged screen use or late in the day. They occur as the tear film stabilises and the corneal flap heals. Most patients notice significant improvement within the first few days, with clearer, more stable vision by the end of the first week. Some mild fluctuations may persist for a few additional weeks, but they are temporary and do not indicate any long-term problems. Following good eye care habits and taking regular breaks helps minimise these effects.
9. Can I use digital devices at night after LASIK?
   Night-time screen use can feel more challenging early on due to glare, halos, or light sensitivity. Using night mode, blue-light filters, or reducing screen brightness can make screens more comfortable. Avoiding complete darkness while using screens and incorporating gentle ambient lighting helps reduce strain. Short, regular breaks during night-time tasks also prevent fatigue and dryness. Over the first few weeks, sensitivity typically diminishes, allowing patients to use screens comfortably at night.
10. How will my screen habits affect long-term recovery and comfort?
    Healthy screen habits during recovery support both short-term comfort and long-term eye health. Following a gradual approach to screen use, staying hydrated, maintaining regular blinking, and using artificial tears help stabilise the tear film and minimise strain. Once your eyes have fully healed, many patients experience improved visual comfort compared to their pre-LASIK routines, with less fatigue and dryness during extended screen time. Practising mindful screen use early on encourages smoother healing and helps maintain optimal eye health in the long run.

Final Thought: Protect Your Eyes and Recover Comfortably After LASIK

Managing screen time after LASIK is all about balance and mindful habits. By pacing your digital device use, taking regular breaks, staying hydrated, and using lubricating drops, you can minimise dryness and support a smooth recovery. Adjusting screen settings, following the 20-20-20 rule, and gradually returning to more intensive tasks helps your eyes heal comfortably while maintaining productivity.

If you’re exploring whether Lasik surgery in London could benefit you, get in touch with us at Eye Clinic London to schedule your consultation. Our team can guide you through the procedure, recovery expectations, and tips for maintaining optimal eye health during and after the healing process.

References:

1. Li, R., Shi, D., Huang, W. et al., 2023. “Dry Eye Disease following LASIK, PRK, and LASEK: An Observational Cross‑Sectional Study.” Journal of Clinical Medicine, 12(11), 3761. Available at: https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/12/11/3761
2. Shtein, R.M., 2011. “Post‑LASIK dry eye.” Expert Review of Ophthalmology. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3235707/
3. Murueta‑Goyena, A. & Cañadas, P., 2017. “Visual outcomes and management after corneal refractive surgery: A review.” Journal of Optometry, 11(2), pp.121–129. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5904824/
4. Wilson, S.E., 2007. “The effects of LASIK on the ocular surface.” Cornea / Ophthalmology Review. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17216074/
5. Hovanesian, J.A. et al., 2023. “Advances in Refractive Surgery.” Journal of Refractive Surgery / Ophthalmology Review, article on post‑LASIK dry eyes and ocular surface disease. Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2162098923010083