The LASIK Eye Surgery Recovery Process
The immediate recovery period for LASIK generally lasts six to 12 hours, but it varies by patient, depending on several factors. Most patients see clearly within 24 hours after vision correction surgery, but others take two to five days to recover. Some patients may experience some blurred vision and fluctuations in their vision for several weeks after LASIK.
Immediately after LASIK eye surgery, all Austin patients will experience blurry vision. This typically lasts up to three to four hours. Because of this, you will not be able to drive yourself home following your procedure. It is recommended you take a nap and relax for the rest of the day. Avoid watching television or reading, which can strain your eyes.
The day after your procedure, you will return to our office to see your LASIK surgeon so they can check your vision and assess how you are healing. Most patients are cleared to return to work or school after this follow-up visit, but each patient is different.. We instruct all patients to use antibiotic and steroid eye drops for about one week after surgery.
Although you will quickly notice a significant improvement in your vision, recovering from LASIK is an ongoing process. Full recovery varies by patient, and it may take three to six months for your vision to fully stabilize. During this time, your LASIK surgeon will meet with you regularly to check on your vision.
General Recovery Guidelines
To make sure your recovery is as quick and comfortable as possible, we advise you to follow these guidelines from Austin Eye:
- Wear the protective eye shield for as long as recommended by your surgeon
- Avoid applying pressure on the eyes for four days after surgery
- Avoid swimming for one week after surgery
- Avoid high impact activities (e.g., contact sports) for at least two weeks after surgery
Learn More about LASIK
Most LASIK patients achieve 20/20 vision or better after surgery. To find out if LASIK can help you achieve crisp, clear vision, schedule a one-on-one appointment with Austin Eye. Please call our office at (512) 250-2020.
