Kayaking after Lasiks

[SteveGabbard]

I recently had Lasiks eye surgery and wondered if anyone on the board has had this done. If so, how long after the operation were you back kayaking? Also, do you open your eyes underwater when you roll? My eyes open by habit when rolling.

My surgeon told me to hold off of paddling for a month.

Thanks
Steve

[Renee H]

I was back in the water 2 weeks after. I lived in Shreveport back in 2001 when I had the surgery and went to the Mountain Fork 2 weeks later. However, I bought a pair of swim goggles and wore those since that soon after the surgery you run the risk of infection if you are in any kind of dirty water. I think if you got some goggles and went on an easier river, where your chance of flipping over is minimal, you would be fine. Another thing is wear the goggles and try to close your eyes if you flip. My doctor gave me the same advice, but I was too excited about getting to see without contacts and I just went for it. Fortunately, I healed pretty fast

[panicman]

I waited about a month before I got back in the water. Personaly I would wait longer than 2 weeks. Your eyes are pretty important and I would not take a chance on the slight chance of a water born infection or heavy spray hitting your tender eye flaps.

Had it done in 2000 or 2001 and going strong.

[SteveGabbard]

Thanks for the advice! I was thinking about a month break.

Heck of a time for warm sunny days with lots of water in January!

[Lupe]

No worries, Steve! Chris will tell you how his maiden voyage down the Cossatot this weekend goes!!! :twisted:

( :shock: Did I just say that!? Who let Evil Heather onto the message board!?)

[Dr. Steve Yaney]

Missing a few trips for a lifetime of good healthy vision/eyes has to be worth it. It AIN'T funny when IT happens to you.

[SteveGabbard]

Heather, I may not be able to paddle but I can sure take pictures and video!

[Lupe]

Yeah - so what's Chris doing? I'm stuck at work and probably need to work Saturday but I think I'll finally be able to pry myself away from my desk to paddle on Sunday.

On a serious note, you know I had to skip paddling for three whole months back in 2008 January through March due to a serious eye issue and to prevent further problems. I missed a lot of sweet paddling days! But I have enough eye problems without further complications, so much as it sucks to be sidelined, ya gots to do what ya gots to do! (And since I had to sit out for 3x as long as you do, I get to jazz you about it!!! )

We'll hit that Tot sometime soon for your maiden voyage!!!

[Renee H]

Heather,

So what are you thinking about boating tomorrow (Friday)? Call me in the morning - we got a crew meeting up around 11am.

[SteveGabbard]

I can take the heat no problem.

I would be more than happy to even be your and Chris' shuttle bunny Sunday. Just remember, "grass, cash, or a#$ nobody rides for free".