After LASIK, your eyes are healing and extra sensitive to light — which is why your surgeon hands you protective eyewear before you even leave the clinic. But how long do the dark glasses actually need to stay on?
Here’s the general guidance on post-LASIK sunglasses, plus why they matter so much for healing.
You should wear sunglasses anytime you’re outdoors, and even indoors if you’re near a window or in a brightly lit area. In fact, you should wear sunglasses constantly for the first two weeks after your LASIK procedure. This will help protect your eyes as they heal and adjust to your new vision. After the two-week mark, it’s usually safe to go outside without sunglasses, but you should still wear them in bright sunlight.
But, how long do you need to wear sunglasses after Lasik?
Is it safe to go out in the sun after your procedure? When can you stop wearing sunglasses indoors? Let’s take a look at the answers to these questions.
First and foremost, it is important to remember that everyone’s recovery time is different and that you should always follow the instructions that your doctor has given you. Generally, your doctor will recommend that you wear sunglasses outdoors for at least three to four weeks following your LASIK procedure. This is to protect your eyes from bright sunlight and to prevent any complications. It is also important to wear sunglasses indoors as well, particularly if you are spending time in front of a computer screen or television.
Can I go out in the sun after LASIK?
When it comes to going out in the sun, the answer is yes, it is safe to go out in the sun after Lasik. However, you should be sure to wear sunglasses that have UV protection to protect your eyes from the sun’s damaging rays. You should also be sure to wear a hat to protect your eyes from direct sunlight.
Finally, when it comes to when you can stop wearing sunglasses indoors after LASIK, the answer is that it can take up to six months before you can stop wearing them completely. During this time, your vision should be stable and your eyes should be well adjusted to indoor light. After this time, you should be able to stop wearing sunglasses indoors and continue to wear them outdoors to protect your eyes from the sun.
The bottom line: LASIK has a real recovery period, and wearing sunglasses during it — indoors and out, as your doctor directs — protects healing eyes and helps keep your vision stable. Always follow your own surgeon’s instructions over any general guide.
Practical tip: keep a wraparound pair by the door and one in the car during recovery. Most people underestimate how bright reflected light feels in the first weeks — car hoods, water, and snow all count. Content reviewed and updated in October 2026.
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