Can you drink alcohol after PRK surgery?

If you’re preparing for or recovering from PRK (photorefractive keratectomy), it’s natural to wonder if you can enjoy a glass of wine or beer afterward. While there are generally no long-term restrictions on drinking alcohol after PRK, timing and moderation are important, especially in the early recovery period.

This guide explains how alcohol affects your eyes after PRK surgery, when it’s safe to drink again, and what to keep in mind to support healing. To learn more about the procedure, visit our PRK surgery Brisbane page. If you're considering vision correction, take our suitability self-test.

Why drinking alcohol after PRK surgery may affect your recovery

After PRK, your cornea needs time to heal. The surface layer (epithelium) is gently removed during surgery, and your eyes are more vulnerable to irritation, dryness, and infection as they recover¹https://www.allaboutvision.com/visionsurgery/prk/.

Alcohol can impact this healing process in several ways:

• Dehydration: Alcohol reduces hydration levels in your body, which can lead to or worsen dry eyes
• Medication interference: You’ll likely be prescribed antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops. Alcohol can interact with medications or reduce your body’s ability to heal
• Reduced immune response: Drinking alcohol may impair your body's ability to fight off infection, especially in the first few days post-op
• Drowsiness or dizziness: Combined with the effects of sedatives or pain medication, alcohol can increase fatigue or delay your recovery.

How long should you wait to drink alcohol after PRK?

Most surgeons recommend waiting at least 3 to 7 days before drinking alcohol after PRK surgery. Some patients may need to wait longer, depending on:

• Your prescribed medications
• How your eyes are healing
• Whether you're experiencing dry eyes or light sensitivity.

If you're unsure, always ask your surgeon before having your first post-surgery drink.

Other common questions about drinking alcohol after PRK surgery

Can I have just one drink?
Even one drink in the first few days could increase dry eye symptoms or interact with your medications. It’s best to wait until you're off prescription eye drops and your surgeon has cleared you.

Does alcohol affect my vision directly after surgery?
Not directly, but it can make your eyes feel drier or more irritated, especially in the early days when vision is still stabilising.

Will alcohol slow my healing long-term?
Moderate alcohol use is unlikely to impact your long-term results, but excess drinking during recovery could slow healing or increase the risk of infection.

Can I drink alcohol after other types of laser eye surgery?

The recommendations for alcohol use after LASIK, Smartsight, and lens replacement surgery are similar. While every procedure has a slightly different recovery timeline, the general advice is:

• Avoid alcohol for the first few days
• Drink plenty of water
• Prioritise medication adherence and eye hydration.

Your surgeon will give you personalised guidance based on the procedure and your health profile.

Final thoughts: Be gentle with your eyes

A glass of wine can wait—your eyes need time to heal. Avoiding alcohol for the first few days after PRK surgery gives your eyes the best chance to recover smoothly and comfortably.

Once your surgeon says it’s safe, you can return to enjoying the occasional drink without concern. Until then, focus on hydration, rest, and following your post-op care instructions closely.

Wondering if PRK is the right option for you?

Take the PRK suitability self-test