If you’ve recently had LASIK surgery, understanding the recovery process is crucial for safe healing and achieving the best possible outcome. While LASIK is a minimally invasive procedure, proper care during the first week is essential to protect your eyes and support healthy healing.
Your commitment to following recovery guidelines carefully can make a significant difference in your healing process. Keep reading to learn more about what to expect during your first week after LASIK surgery!
First 24 Hours after LASIK Surgery: Rest is Essential
Immediately after your LASIK procedure, your eyes may feel scratchy, irritated, or watery. Once you are ready to go home, you should prioritize resting your eyes as much as possible.
You’ll be sent home with protective eye shields to wear while you sleep. These eye shields prevent you from accidentally rubbing your eyes and dislodging the corneal flap while you are sleeping.
During the first 24 hours, you might experience blurry vision, sensitivity to light, and eye discomfort. If you notice your eyes feeling sensitive, try to avoid looking at handheld screens, reading, or any other activity that requires your eyes to focus closely.
Day One after LASIK Surgery: Improved Vision and Your First Follow-Up Visit
Your first follow-up visit is typically scheduled for the day after your LASIK procedure. During this visit, your eye doctor will assess whether the corneal flap is healing properly and check for any signs of infection or other complications.
They will also test your vision and review your eye drop instructions. Many LASIK patients experience a noticeable improvement in their vision by their first follow-up visit, though it may still be hazy.
If you are recovering well, your doctor will usually clear you to return to work and resume light activities. At this stage of the recovery process, you should avoid using makeup, swimming, and engaging in any strenuous activities.
Days Two and Three after LASIK Surgery: Vision Continues to Improve
Over the next few days, your vision will continue to improve as your eyes heal. It’s normal to experience some common, yet temporary, side effects of LASIK, such as dryness, light sensitivity, or itchiness.
You should regularly use preservative-free artificial tears to keep your eyes lubricated and comfortable. It’s important to avoid rubbing your eyes, even if they feel itchy or dry.
During the first week, it’s ok to be outside, but avoid dirty or windy conditions. If you do need to go out, you should wear polarized, wraparound-style sunglasses to protect your healing eyes from UV light and airborne debris.
At this point, most LASIK patients are ready to resume non-strenuous activities, like working on a computer, reading, or watching TV, in moderation. To minimize eye strain, it’s best to take short breaks every 20 minutes while engaging in these activities.
Frequent use of preservative-free tear drops is encouraged.
Days Four to Seven after LASIK Surgery: Clear Vision with Caution
By the end of the first week, most LASIK patients feel comfortable returning to work, if they haven’t already done so. Your vision is likely to be significantly improved, and you may be able to see clearly without your glasses.
You should continue to use any prescribed eye drops or other medications, as directed by your eye doctor. Regular use of lubricating eye drops can help alleviate any dryness.
At this time, you should continue to refrain from any activity that could compromise your healthy recovery from LASIK, such as contact sports, until cleared by your doctor. You may be ready to enjoy your favorite pastimes with your newly clear vision, but waiting a bit lowers your risk of infection or other complications.
Less commonly, you may still be experiencing some side effects of surgery, but these symptoms typically improve over time. For most people, negative symptoms gradually fade away as you complete your recovery from LASIK surgery.
Commonly Asked Questions About Recovering from LASIK Surgery
While a timeline can give you a general idea of what recovery is like, here are the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about recovering from LASIK surgery:
Q: What activities should I avoid?
A: You should avoid activities that could cause eye strain or increase your risk of infection. These activities include bending over or lifting heavy objects, swimming or using a hot tub, spending long hours staring at a computer, activities in a dirty environment such as a wood shop, etc., and participating in contact sports.
Q: Can I wash my face and hair?
A: You can wash your face and hair, but you should be very careful not to let water, soap, or shampoo get in your eyes for one week. Keeping your head tilted back while washing your hair can help protect your eyes during showering.
Q: Can I wear make-up as I recover from LASIK?
A: You shouldn’t use any makeup, face creams, or lotions near the eye area for at least five to seven days after LASIK. Your eye doctor may be able to recommend products that are safer to use while your eyes recover.
Q: When can I drive after LASIK?
A: You should not drive until you are cleared by your doctor. Some patients may be able to drive as soon as a day or two after their surgery, while others may need to wait a week or so for their vision to clear.
Q: What can I do to prepare for my recovery from LASIK?
A: The best way to prepare for LASIK is to anticipate what you might need during the recovery period. You should stock up on moisturizing eye drops, set up a humidifier, and fill your fridge with hydrating liquids before the day of your surgery. It is best to avoid wearing contact lenses on the day of your LASIK surgery.
A healthy recovery is crucial for achieving the best results from LASIK surgery. By protecting your eyes and following your doctor’s instructions, you are giving yourself the best chance at a fast and smooth recovery, as well as impressively clear and crisp vision. Do you want to learn more about recovery after LASIK or determine if you might be a good candidate? Schedule an appointment at Whitson Vision in Avon or Indianapolis, IN, today!
