Epi--LASIK, as with most other forms of advanced surface ablation procedure, usually takes anything from between 5 and 8 days after surgery to return to near normal activities. The initial 3 days are usually marginally functional in terms of vision quality and patients do experience moderate levels of discomfort. By day 3, the comfort does improve dramatically but the vision continues to fluctuate until day 7 or 8. Generally, we do advise patients to take time off work for approximately 7 days.
As for activities like hot yoga or eyelash extension application, it would be best to wait at least a week or until your surgeon advises that your corneal epithelium has fully healed in order to reduce the likelihood of infection.
