The recovery process from LASIK eye surgery The immediate recovery period from LASIK surgery generally lasts six to 12 hours, but it varies from patient to patient and depends on several factors. Most patients see clearly within 24 hours after vision correction surgery, but others take two to five days to recover. For most people, the recovery time from the LASIK procedure is very fast and patients resume most of their normal activities within a day or two. The actual healing period lasts a little longer and usually lasts 3 to 6 months, during which the vision is expected to gradually improve.
Most of our patients undergo LASIK procedures in the morning or afternoon and take the rest of the day off work. After the procedure, you'll need to go home and take a nap for three to four hours. This nap is a very important part of the healing process. You should relax your eyes and avoid straining them while watching television or reading.
Your eyes will begin to heal as soon as the procedure is finished, but the total recovery time from LASIK surgery is four to six weeks. Ideally, you should keep your eyes closed for 2 to 4 hours as part of the immediate LASIK recovery process. So taking a nap and wearing clear plastic protectors will help with the recovery process. You may experience mild tenderness for a few hours, but discomfort should be minimal.
After 2 to 4 hours, remove the plastic protectors and, as directed by the surgeon, start using the prescribed eye drops to heal and keep your eyes comfortable and lubricated. LASIK eye surgery can help correct a variety of vision problems and can replace the need for corrective eyeglasses or contact lenses. To learn more about the LASIK recovery process, here are some things to expect after surgery. The doctor may ask a person to follow several steps to help them recover after LASIK surgery.
