Recovery travel guide
LASIK abroad: where to recover and what you can do
Vision clears fast, but the corneal flap needs protecting. The rules are about not rubbing, no water in the eyes, no eye make-up, no dust or smoke, and sunglasses outdoors.
Confirm with your surgeon. These are general activity limits from published aftercare guidance. Your clinic's written instructions always come first, and they may be stricter or looser for your procedure.
Compare cities for LASIK
| City | Safe things to do on days 1 to 3 | Safe things on day 7 | Weather | Clinics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IstanbulTürkiye | 5 to 9 | 20 | Hot, sunny summers (often above 28°C in July and August) and cool, wet winters. | Get quotes |
Counts are activities from our city lists that fit the published activity limits on those days. More cities are coming.
Recovery timeline
- Day 1
Check-up at the clinic. Rest your eyes, use the drops on schedule and wear the shield to sleep.
- Days 2 to 3
Light, non-contact activity can start after 1 to 3 days. Sunglasses outdoors, no rubbing, no eye make-up.
- Days 4 to 7
Normal sightseeing. Exercise bikes and walking are fine; jogging usually after a week. Still no swimming, hot tubs or steam.
- Weeks 2 to 8
No swimming or hot tubs for 1 to 2 months. No contact sports until your surgeon clears you.
Typical stay: 3 to 5 days: surgery, a check the next day and often a second check before you fly.
Day-by-day guides
LASIK
Istanbul
7 days, day by day. Vision clears fast, but the corneal flap needs protecting.
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Questions people ask
Sources
- What should I expect during and after LASIK surgery?. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Checked 2 November 2026.
- LASIK: laser eye surgery. American Academy of Ophthalmology. Checked 2 November 2026.
- How soon after laser eye surgery can I...?. Optegra Eye Hospitals (clinic aftercare guide). Checked 2 November 2026.