LASIK Eye Surgery Recovery

As you prepare for LASIK, it’s important to know what to expect from LASIK surgery recovery. Plan well ahead of time to ensure a safe and quick LASIK recovery.

Planning Ahead for LASIK Surgery Recovery

LASIK eye surgery is a highly-effective outpatient corrective vision procedure where patients experience immediate improvement in their vision post-surgery. Days, weeks, and months after the procedure, you can expect your vision to continue to improve as you enter recovery. Ensure that your eyes can recover as quickly as possible on the day of your procedure by:

  • Having someone else drive you home.
  • Trying to nap, or rest with your eyes closed, during the first several hours following surgery.
  • Avoiding screens (phones, computers, and TV) for the rest of the day.
  • Keeping lights dimmed and avoiding direct sunlight.
  • Wearing eye protection to avoid rubbing your eyes and disturbing your corneal flap.

Rest and hydration will be essential in allowing your eyes to recover on the day of your surgery. Plan ahead to take the day off and relax in low light at home.

Recovery After LASIK: What To Expect

During your LASIK recovery, you may experience some mild side effects. Be prepared to care for your eyes as directed. Following LASIK, you may experience:

  • Some itching or burning, teariness, and light sensitivity in the hours following surgery.
  • Some blurred, hazy, or cloudy vision for a week or two.
  • Some fluctuations in your vision as your corneas heal.
  • Glare, halos, or difficulty seeing well at night or in dim light as your corneas continue to heal.
  • Some eye redness for a few days or dark red blotches (small bruises from the procedure) on the whites of your eyes for a couple weeks.

During LASIK surgery recovery, you should:

  • Wear eye shields (clear, plastic shields taped over your eyes) at all times until the morning after your surgery, and while sleeping for 4 or 5 days following the procedure.
  • Use prescription eye drops for several days and artificial tears for several weeks to prevent infection, inflammation, and dry eye.
  • Avoid makeup, eye cream, and anything that could cause dust, smoke, debris, or other materials to get in your eyes for a full week .
  • Wear sunglasses outdoors and protective eyewear during certain activities.

How to Manage LASIK Recovery

Generally speaking, the timeline for recovery after LASIK is quite fast. Most patients can drive and return to work 24 hours after LASIK. Your corneas may not be fully healed for a few months, but you can return to most normal activities within the first several weeks.

Attend all follow-up appointments so your doctor can monitor your LASIK recovery. You’ll have a follow-up appointment one day after your surgery to check your vision and your healing. From there, your doctor will make specific follow-up recommendations for you.

Follow your doctor’s instructions when it comes to your LASIK recovery. Tell your doctor about any discomfort or concerns you might have and don’t hesitate to contact us with questions. We want to ensure your recovery from LASIK is as smooth, easy, and comfortable as possible for you.