LASIK: a competitive option for martial arts fighters

Myths discouraging LASIK for boxers and fighters dispelled

What is LASIK surgery?

LASIK, the acronym for Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis, is the most popular procedure for vision correction at the Assil Gaur Eye Institute (AGEI), especially for competitors in high-contact sports.

For those who balk at this notion, just look at AGEI patients like “Sugar” Shane Mosley, former world champion boxer. Or NBA stars Lebron James, Anthony Davis, and Chris Paul. All realize that their eyes are their most prized possessions.

What to know about LASIK surgery and combat sports 

Doctors indeed used to recommend that MMA fighters and boxers undergo photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) surgery for eye correction. With LASEK, the laser energy is applied directly to the surface of the cornea, whereas with LASIK, the outer corneal layer is spared and the laser energy is applied to the middle corneal layer.

The difference between LASEK (PRK) and LASIK

LASIK begins with Dr. Kerry Assil creating a thin flap from the cornea’s outer layer (the epithelium). The flap is peeled back so the laser can sculpt the corneal tissue that lies underneath. Once the LASIK sculpting is done the flap is repositioned with the cornea intact.

LASEK involves no flap but uses a chemical to gently dissolve the tissue and expose the inner layer of the cornea. The doctor then focuses the laser directly on the cornea to shape the correction.

Conventional wisdom says that LASEK is preferred for combat sports because the fighter does not want to injure the flap. That said, injuries to the LASIK flap are much more unusual than injuries due to blunt force, such as broken bones. So, the worries about injuring the flap appear more theoretical than practical.

A sight-correcting procedure for fighters that’s better than standard LASIK?

Yes! EagleVision® is the reason more and more professional and amateur athletes turn to AGEI for eye correction. Indeed, the state-of-the-art procedure was specifically developed for high-contact athletes. Based on Dr. Assil’s decades of experience, customized EagleVision is the next generation of LASIK, and was designed partly for people taking part in high-contact sports.

Four main advantages of EagleVision LASIK include:

• Scientifically designed flap for the larger treatment area to protect against eye injury.
• Sharper post-op visual acuity.
• Low incidence of post-op dry eye.
• Superior flap stability during high-contact sports.

New flap design adds great durability and lowers injury risk for combat fighters

The customized EagleVision procedure achieves greater flap stability than other LASIK surgeries. This is especially critical for combat fighters and boxers. The scientific flap design allows for a larger treatment area, and adds protection against eye injury, promoting quicker healing.

This scientifically designed flap provides greater protection to the eyes in collaboration with the facial bones in the case of blunt trauma.

What is the recovery time like for LASIK and PRK?

There is a large difference in recovery times between PRK and LASIK.

The recovery time for PRK?

After PRK the doctor ends surgery by placing a contact bandage over your eye to lessen sensitivity to light. Vision will be a bit blurry until the bandage is removed in about a week.

The doctor will prescribe you eye drops to keep the eye moist as it heals. Though vision will be better after surgery, it often worsens until the eye heals. Driving is off-limits until vision becomes acute.

Full recovery from PRK takes about a month.

The recovery time for LASIK?

Clearer vision begins directly after LASIK. Many people have near-perfect vision the day after surgery.

There is usually no pain or discomfort as the eye heals. The doctor prescribes medicated eye drops in case there is some burning during the hours after surgery.

Full recovery from EagleVision LASIK generally takes only a few days

What physical activities are acceptable after LASIK?

Recovery from LASIK surgery is a process, not an event. The doctor will provide you with specific instructions, but here is a rough estimate of how soon you can resume physical activities.

After 1 week

It is okay to practice Yoga or Pilates, as well as light jogging. Remember, listen to your body and don’t push yourself. Be careful when you wipe the sweat from your eyes.

2 to 4 weeks

At 2 weeks you can expand your activities to using gym weight machines on low settings. The resistance can be increased in a month, as well as lifting free weights.

At four weeks you can begin swimming, although we strongly recommend wearing protective goggles. Your eyes should have healed enough to use a sauna or steam room without experiencing irritation.

At this time it is okay to take part in sports such as basketball, football skiing, and tennis.

After 12 weeks

It is safe to resume boxing and martial arts. You may want to consider eye protection.

 Six months

At this point, your eyes should have totally healed. But everyone is different so follow the doctor’s orders.

The importance of choosing AGEI for laser eye correction surgery

At AGEI, you will experience state-of-the-art ophthalmology that brings revolutionary technologies together with experienced, board-certified vision care professionals. Our goal is to help you achieve your best possible vision with our eye care. 

Please call 866-945-2745 or visit us here to make an appointment online. If you are experiencing any concerning symptoms or require immediate eye care, contact us immediately to determine the best time to schedule an exam.

At Assil Gaur Eye Institute we take our patients’ safety seriously. Our facility’s Covid-19 patient safety procedures exceed all of the CDC’s coronavirus pandemic recommendations. Masks are required in our institutes at all times.

We are conveniently located for patients throughout Southern California and the Los Angeles area at locations in or near Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, West Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Culver City, Hollywood, Venice, Marina del Rey, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, and Downtown Los Angeles.

Beverly Hills

310-651-2300
450 N. Roxbury Dr., 3rd Floor
Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Santa Monica

310-382-5050
2222 Santa Monica Blvd., Ste. 107
Santa Monica, CA 90404