How long is recovery?
Recovery from LASIK surgery typically follows a specific timeline, but the exact duration may vary from person to person. Here's a general outline of the recovery process:
Immediately after surgery:
- Immediately following the surgery, you'll likely experience some blurred vision, halos, or glare around lights. This is normal and should start improving within a few hours.
- Your eyes will be protected with shields or goggles to prevent you from accidentally rubbing or touching them.
First 24 hours:
- You'll need to rest and avoid strenuous activities for the first 24 hours after surgery.
- You'll be provided with artificial tears or lubricating eye drops to keep your eyes moist and reduce discomfort.
- You may have some mild discomfort, which can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
- Avoid activities that could increase the risk of eye injury, such as bending over, lifting heavy objects, or playing contact sports.
First few days:
- Your vision will likely continue to improve over the first few days, but it may still be blurry or hazy initially.
- You'll need to continue using artificial tears and follow the instructions provided by your surgeon for eye care and medication.
- You may experience sensitivity to light and glare, so it's important to wear sunglasses when you're outdoors.
- Avoid getting water in your eyes during this time.
One week after surgery:
- At your one-week follow-up visit, your surgeon will check your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.
- Your vision should be significantly improved by this point, and you may be able to resume most of your normal activities.
- However, it's still recommended to avoid strenuous exercise or contact sports for a few more weeks.
One month after surgery:
- Most people achieve their final visual acuity and enjoy stable vision around one month after LASIK surgery.
- At this point, you should be able to engage in all your regular activities without any restrictions.
It's important to follow your surgeon's instructions carefully during the recovery period to ensure the best possible outcome. Each individual's healing process may vary slightly, so be sure to consult with your doctor for specific advice regarding your recovery timeline.