When Can You Drink Alcohol and Smoke Before and After LASIK Surgery? (2025)
Written by B&VIIT Eye Center
2025.02.20
For those who regularly consume alcohol or smoke, it is natural to wonder how long these activities should be avoided before and after LASIK surgery. Since vision correction surgery directly involves the eyes, one of the most vital organs in the body, it is crucial to carefully follow pre- and post-surgery guidelines to ensure a safe and smooth recovery.
Alcohol Consumption Before and After LASIK
It is recommended to avoid alcohol for at least one day to a week before LASIK surgery. To ensure optimal condition on the day of surgery, refrain from drinking alcohol and get adequate rest by going to bed early.
- Before LASIK: It is recommended to avoid alcohol for at least 1 day to 1 week before surgery. Refraining from alcohol and getting sufficient rest the night before surgery helps ensure optimal physical condition on the day of the procedure. - After LASIK: Light alcohol consumption is allowed after 2 weeks. Alcohol can increase blood pressure, which in turn raises intraocular pressure, potentially irritating the eyes. Additionally, alcohol may cause inflammation and increase the likelihood of rubbing the eyes while intoxicated. Since LASIK involves creating a corneal flap, rubbing the eyes can lead to corneal epithelial displacement, which is why it is strictly prohibited after surgery.
Moreover, alcohol slows down the healing process. The slower the recovery, the worse dry eye symptoms may become, which is why it is recommended to avoid alcohol for at least 2 weeks to 1 month after surgery. If drinking is unavoidable after the 2-week mark, it is best to avoid excessive consumption to minimize any negative impact on recovery.
Smoking Before and After LASIK
Before LASIK: It is recommended to avoid smoking for at least 1 day to 1 week before surgery. Smoking can temporarily impair vision, so refraining from smoking before the preoperative examination ensures that the correct vision prescription is determined for accurate vision correction. After LASIK: Smoking should be avoided for at least 2 weeks after surgery. The main reasons for this restriction include: Delayed healing due to blood vessel constriction and reduced tear production, which can trigger inflammatory reactions. Eye irritation caused by cigarette smoke, which contains multiple harmful chemicals that may lead to inflammation and worsen dry eye symptoms. To promote faster recovery and reduce complications, it is recommended to avoid smoking for at least 2 weeks post-surgery.
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