What is LASIK Recovery Like?

Home » Blog » What is LASIK Recovery Like?

Posted by: Missouri Eye Institute in Blog on August 8, 2024

LASIK is one of the most popular types of laser vision correction that can allow you to experience greater visual freedom than ever before. If you’re considering LASIK, you may be wondering what the recovery process is like.

For most people, recovery from LASIK is easy and smooth. There is very little pain after the procedure, and good aftercare can minimize the risk of infection or other complications.

Most people can return to normal activities within a few days.  Keep reading to learn more about LASIK and LASIK recovery!

What is LASIK?

LASIK is an outpatient vision correction procedure that takes place in your eye doctor’s office. Before LASIK, your eye doctor will use special drops to numb your eyes so you’ll be comfortable.

Next, your eye doctor will use a laser to create and open a small flap on the surface of your eye, exposing the inner layers of your cornea. Then, your LASIK surgeon will reshape your cornea before repositioning and replacing the flap. 

The flap will heal during your recovery process, often without the need for stitches. The entire LASIK procedure usually takes about thirty minutes for both eyes. 

What Happens During LASIK Recovery?

Immediately after LASIK surgery, your vision may be a little blurry, and your eyes may feel sore, gritty, or watery. You won’t be able to drive, so you will need to arrange for a friend or family member to bring you home. 

Your eye doctor will want to see you the day after LASIK surgery to make sure that your eyes are beginning the healing process. Aftercare is an important part of LASIK recovery.

Your eye doctor will give you detailed instructions on how to care for your eyes to prevent complications or infection. It’s critical to follow those directions, including:

Wearing Your Eye Shield

You’ll wear an eye shield for the first day. Your eye doctor will also tell you to wear it when you sleep for several nights so you don’t inadvertently rub your eyes overnight. 

Using Eye Drops

Your eye doctor will likely prescribe you eye drops to prevent infection. Use those and any additional medications according to your doctor’s instructions.

Avoid Getting Water In Your Eyes

You can shower, bathe, and wash your face, but be careful not to get water in your eyes. You should also avoid swimming and hot tubs for several weeks.

Tap water, pool water, and natural bodies of water can all contain bacteria that cause infections. 

Get Physical Rest

You can return to normal activities within a few days, but you need to restrict activities like strenuous exercise for several weeks.

Don’t Wear Makeup

Do not use any cosmetics or skincare products around your eyes for several weeks until your eye doctor says it’s ok.

See Your Eye Doctor If You Experience Unusual Symptoms

If you have severe pain, worsening pain, bleeding, worsening vision, or unusual discharge from your eyes, call your eye doctor immediately. Those could be signs of an infection. 

Vision improvements may be noticeable within a few days of LASIK. Complete recovery takes several months. Your vision should gradually improve over that time, though you can expect some fluctuations in your vision during recovery.

You should have full results and stabilized vision within six months of your procedure. 

Are you ready to learn whether LASIK is right for you?  Schedule a LASIK evaluation at Missouri Eye Institute in Springfield, MO, today!