LASIK Eye Surgery Recovery: What To Expect, Timeline, & Results

The LASIK Recovery Process

Laser eye surgery is a great option for people who want a lasting, cost-effective vision solution that gives them the freedom to do what they love free of glasses or contacts. However, enjoying these benefits may not be as simple as going in for a LASIK procedure and then going right back to your day-to-day routine for everyone. Here are a few things you should know about your LASIK recovery time and what can affect your LASIK eye surgery recovery. 

How Long is the LASIK Eye Surgery Recovery Timeline?

There are various stages of the LASIK surgery recovery timeline. A lot of people notice significantly enhanced vision immediately following their LASIK eye surgery. Most patients can return to their normal routine in just a few days.

After laser eye surgery, it will be important to use the eye drops prescribed by your eye doctor. This will maximize the healing process and prevent any infection. For each stage in the LASIK recovery timeline, keep in mind that there are different expectations in terms of visual results, steps in your aftercare, and tips to speed up the healing process. 

The First Day After LASIK Surgery

To ensure a smooth recovery at the conclusion of LASIK eye surgery, it’s important to wear a protective eye covering on the first day after the procedure. In addition,  you will need to be driven home by a friend or family member. Wear this covering until the next morning and swap it with any protective sunglasses you received from your doctor. You can shower after the first day, but avoid irritating your eyes with water or soap. 

You may experience some eye discomfort on the first day of the LASIK surgery recovery. Usually, this means dryness, blurriness, itchiness, and light sensitivity. However, these symptoms should be alleviated with lubricating eye drops prescribed by your doctor and over-the-counter pain relief medication. If you experience worsening pain, contact your physician.

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The First Week After LASIK

Your physician will want to see you at least a couple of days following your eye procedure to ensure you are navigating the LASIK eye surgery recovery timeline correctly. During the first week and onward of your healing process, you should be using the eye drops and pain medication as often as prescribed.

You will need to avoid touching your eyes, using eye makeup (and remover) and creams, doing yard work, night driving, and exercising. Avoid coming into contact with general eye irritants (e.g. dust, smoke). This will prevent infection and allow the incision to heal.

To maintain the safety of your eyes throughout the healing process, wear UV-protective eyewear or protective goggles outside and during physical activity or home improvement tasks.

After the First Week 

The eye discomfort and light issues you may have initially experienced should be gone or at least substantially better. You will be visiting your eye doctor periodically over the next year so they can check on the progress of your LASIK eye surgery recovery and vision improvements.

Although uncommon—if you’re experiencing vision issues after your procedure, your doctor may recommend getting a LASIK enhancement surgery to improve your eyesight further.

Factors That Affect LASIK Recovery Time

There are a few factors that can affect your LASIK eye surgery recovery timeline outside of just following your laser eye surgeon’s guidelines. Not using your eye drops as directed, dry eyes, and other vision issues can extend your recovery time after LASIK. Individuals with a more extreme eye prescription may also expect a longer recovery time. 

FAQ: Laser Eye Surgery Recovery

Will I Have 20/20 Vision After LASIK?

There’s no guarantee that LASIK surgery will give you perfect vision, but it is highly successful. Most patients can expect quick, notable results after LASIK eye surgery so close to 20/20 vision that they may no longer depend on corrective lenses.

How Long Do the Effects of Laser Eye Surgery Last?

While your vision will continue to change as part of the aging process, LASIK permanently reshapes your cornea. Most patients enjoy their new vision for years to come. 

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Will My Activities Be Restricted During LASIK Recovery?

Depending on how quickly you tend to heal, you can typically return to most normal activities in a few days. Your surgeon will go over any restrictions at the time of surgery and following your 1-day post-operative appointment. Some temporary restrictions immediately following surgery may include driving, showering, rubbing your eyes, reading, swimming, exercising, and sports. It is also recommended that you stay away from dirty and dusty environments. These restrictions are only temporary and your doctor will instruct you on when you can resume these activities.

What Are the Most Common LASIK Recovery Complications?

Some common LASIK recovery complications include irritation, discomfort, and night glares. To minimize any recovery complications, visit your eye doctor for several follow-up visits within the first year of your procedure. These follow-up visits allow your eye doctor to follow your healing timeline. If you experience any vision issues following your LASIK procedure, we advise you to contact your eye doctor immediately. 

Picking an experienced surgeon is important when considering laser eye surgery. The staff of ophthalmologists at Specialty Eye Institute offers various types of eye care solutions such as LASIK eye surgery, dry eye treatments, cataract surgery, keratoconus treatments, and glaucoma options. Schedule your LASIK consultation to learn more! Give our staff of ophthalmologists and optometrists a call by phone at (877) 852-8463 to talk about the benefits and recovery timeline of a LASIK procedure.

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