Skydiving After LASIK: What You Need to Know

LASIK is an amazing technology that has helped so many people, well, literally see again! LASIK stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis and if you are one of the lucky ones to have this procedure and you landed here, you may be wondering if you can skydive after LASIK surgery. We’re happy to report that yes you can, but there are many things to be mindful of. Let’s explore!

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT SKYDIVING AND LASIK

If you’ve gotten LASIK you probably already know, but for those of you considering it’s important to understand what happens to the eye in the procedure and how skydiving could effect that. According to FDA.gov, LASIK is a “procedure that permanently changes the shape of the cornea, the clear covering of the front of the eye, using an excimer laser. A mechanical microkeratome (a blade device) or a laser keratome (a laser device) is used to cut a flap in the cornea.

It doesn’t take too long to recover from the surgery. In fact, in as little as three days, you may be cleared to return to light exercise, or light recreational activities such as bicycling, boating or golfing. In one week, some may return to swimming. However, for the eye to have enough time to heal, doctors usually recommend about one month before taking on more rigorous activities such as water skiing, scuba diving, basketball, hockey, motorcycling, snowboarding, dirt biking, and yes – skydiving.

However, every patient is different and doctors will prescribe the best scenario of returning back to your regular lifestyle as necessary. This is all due to protect your eyes. Heck, it is an investment to do this procedure, so it’s best to follow your doctor’s recommendations closely.

TANDEM SKYDIVING AND LASIK

When you make a tandem skydive, generally you will wear a pair of goggles to protect your eyes during freefall. The goggles are made with ventilation holes so the goggles do not fog up during any part of the skydive. Although goggles do protect your eyes, the ventilation allows air to freely enter which could compromise the LASIK procedure.

RECOMMENDATION

One Month: We recommend getting permission from your doctor to skydive from one to six months after the LASIK procedure.

Six Months: After six months, the eye has had more time to heal and you are able to do a tandem skydive after LASIK.

EXPERIENCED JUMPER SKYDIVING AND LASIK

Experienced jumpers have the luxury of wearing a full face helmet which prevents air flow around the eyes during freefall. This added protection is definitely recommended for experienced jumpers if given the choice between a full face or open faced helmet.

RECOMMENDATION

One Month: We recommend waiting one month after LASIK before skydiving and choosing a full face helmet up to six months.

WHAT ABOUT SKYDIVING WITH GLASSES OR CONTACTS?

If you currently wear glasses or contacts, you are absolutely welcome to skydive! Please visit our BLOG here to learn more about our procedures for those without LASIK but are still concerned what happens skydiving with glasses or contacts.

NOTE ABOUT LASIK AND SKYDIVING

These are general recommendations. Skydiving is ultimately your decision. However, if you have any questions or concerns about skydiving after LASIK surgery, we highly recommend talking to your doctor.

READY TO SKYDIVE?

If you’re ready to take to the skies with your brand new vision to see the world from above (and you’re within recommendations or doctor’s permission), call or click to make an appointment and we’ll be ready to welcome you to this amazing sport!