LASIK Surgery Recovery Timeline and What to Expect

LASIK is the current go-to laser surgery procedure to correct vision. Patients with nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism usually undergo the procedure, but often don't know what to expect afterwards. How long does LASIK surgery recovery take? Are there any side effects from LASIK? We will answer everything in this step-by-step guide. Let's help you understand the process of LASIK recovery. We will cover timelines, common LASIK side effects, and best practices for a smooth healing experience.

LASIK Post-Op Instructions for a Smooth Recovery

After LASIK, you will be given specific post-op instructions. Follow your eye surgeon's recommendations!

Instructions Immediately After Surgery

Here's what to do and not to do in the first 24h after getting LASIK surgery:

• Rest your eyes as much as possible

• Avoid screens and reading

• Avoid exposing eyes to water

• Don't rub your eyes

• Keep the protective eye shields on during sleep

• Use the prescribed eye drops as directed

Instructions First Week Post-Surgery

During the first week of the procedure, you need to adjust your post-op instructions accordingly:

• Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes

• Don't use makeup, creams, or lotions around the eyes

• Avoid water exposure to the eyes (no swimming, hot tubs, or direct water pressure)

• Wear sunglasses when outdoors to reduce light sensitivity

• Avoid dusty or smoky environments

Hygiene Tips After LASIK Surgery

Practicing good hygiene is key to avoiding serious side effects and potential LASIK complications:

• Wash your hands before using eye drops or touching your face

• Use clean towels and pillowcases

• Avoid sharing personal items like eye drops or makeup

Activities to Avoid During the LASIK Recovery Period

Even laser procedures like LASIK have a down period for certain activities:

• High-impact sports or strenuous activities for at least a month

• Driving until your vision is clear and stable (as advised by your surgeon)

• Wearing contact lenses or non-prescription eye products

RELATED: Laser Correction Surgery Steps, Risks and Requirements

What to Expect Right After LASIK (First 24 Hours)

Immediately after LASIK, it's common to have blurry vision and mild discomfort, often described as gritty or stinging sensations. Some patients report slight burning or tearing.

Consider these normal responses as the eyes begin to heal.

You’ll likely be sent home with eye shields to prevent accidental rubbing. You will get prescription eye drops to manage inflammation and prevent infection. Adhere to your surgeon's instructions.

During the immediate postoperative period, you can't drive, so ensure you have someone to take you home after surgery. Taking a few days off work may be beneficial to the healing process.

LASIK Surgery Recovery Timeline

One of the most common questions is: How long does LASIK recovery take? The LASIK surgery recovery timeline varies slightly from person to person.

While initial vision improvement occurs quickly (in the first few days), complete healing takes time. Most patients are considered fully recovered within 3 to 6 months. Minor fluctuations in vision can persist as the cornea stabilizes.

First Week

• Vision stabilizes but may fluctuate

• Sensitivity to light and glare

• Dry eyes and halos are common

• Most patients return to work within 2–3 days

Week 2 to Month 1

• Continued improvement in visual clarity

• Less dependence on artificial tears

• Decreased sensitivity to light

Months 1 to 6

• LASIK discomforts typically diminish

• Vision reaches its final outcome

• Set follow-up appointments to monitor healing

LASIK Follow-up Care

Follow-up with your eye surgeon is just as important as following the post-op tips during the LASIK recovery period. Make sure you attend all scheduled postoperative appointments for proper healing and early detection of any issues. Report unusual symptoms like worsening vision, pain, or excessive redness immediately.

By strictly following these LASIK surgery recovery instructions, you minimize the risk of complications and support a smooth healing.

RELATED: Is Laser Eye Surgery Painful?

Potential Side Effects and Risks of LASIK Surgery

LASIK is a well-established vision correction procedure with a strong track record of safety and success. However, like any surgery, it carries a spectrum of possible side effects and rare complications.

Common Temporary Effects

The common temporary effects of LASIK are not exactly side effects. Dryness, light sensitivity, blurry or fluctuating vision, as well as halos and starbursts, are a normal part of the LASIK recovery process. The discouraging symptoms tend to improve with time.

Less Common or Long-Term Issues

Occasionally, the laser may not achieve the exact level of correction. In such cases of under- or overcorrection, a follow-up enhancement procedure may be needed.

A small number of patients experience a gradual return of nearsightedness or farsightedness over time. The term for this condition is regression. If you experience this after LASIK recovery, your eye surgeon can perform a touch-up LASIK.

LASIK surgery doesn’t prevent the natural decline in near vision with age (presbyopia). So, reading glasses may still be needed later in life.

Rare but Serious Complications

Unfortunately, no surgical procedure is 100% safe. That includes laser procedures like LASIK. Some quite rare but serious side effects may occur.

Corneal ectasia is a progressive thinning and bulging of the cornea, distorting vision. Pre-surgical screening helps identify those at risk.

In rare cases, problems may occur during the creation or healing of the corneal flap. Flap-related issues usually resolve with prompt surgical care. Sometimes more than one surgery is needed.

Surface cells can occasionally grow beneath the flap (epithelial ingrowth), sometimes requiring surgical removal.

An uncommon inflammatory reaction beneath the flap, also known as diffuse lamellar keratitis, may cause serious problems. It requires immediate treatment.

Infections are extremely uncommon but can occur if post-op care guidelines aren’t followed.

Very rarely, patients with high myopia may develop retinal complications. Retinal detachment may occur, though this is not directly caused by LASIK surgery.

LEARN MORE: LASIK Side Effects and Complications - Extensive Guide

Understanding the Big Picture

The chance of experiencing serious complications during or after LASIK surgery recovery is low. However, choosing an experienced LASIK surgeon and adhering to all pre- and post-operative instructions significantly lowers the risk. Most patients enjoy life-changing vision improvements with little to no long-term side effects.

Resources:

• What to know about LASIK recovery and side effects, Medical News Today

✅ Medically reviewed

Checked by Atanas Bogoev, MD.