The Recovery Time for LASIK Eye Surgery: Is It As Quick as They Say?

Recovery From LASIK Eye Surgery: Why It’s Crucial?

LASIK eye surgery is one of the most common procedures for people dealing with blurry vision problems. This simple, short, outpatient surgical eye procedure reduces a person’s dependency on glasses. While the LASIK eye surgery success rate depends on many factors, most candidates can expect 20/20 vision, if not at least 20/40 vision. Among the various factors that impact the success of LASIK, the recovery period and aftercare that one follows also have a significant impact.  Patients should understand that LASIK recovery isn’t just about healing. It also involves knowing when to expect improvements and recognizing when something may be wrong. While this helps you stay prepared, it also helps you identify complications early on. Indeed, it may seem complex when you get into the details of what your eye goes through during the procedure and the recovery period. 

The LASIK Eye Surgery Process: What Your Eyes Go Through During Recovery?

Ophthalmologists make some permanent changes to the cornea during LASIK eye surgery. They use advanced surgical lasers to reshape the cornea and adjust its curvature. The cornea, a clear, transparent front layer of the eye, refracts the light entering the eye to fall on the retina. Some candidates face eyesight problems due to an irregularly shaped cornea or its improper curvature. Either a too-steep curvature or a too-flat cornea cannot refract light accurately, leading to blurry vision. LASIK uses precision lasers to reshape the cornea by removing excess tissue. The outer corneal layers are cut open using femtosecond lasers or microkeratome blades to access the interior portions. Recovery is indeed critical for the outer cornea to regenerate while the reshaped surface heals. While tissue healing happens, the reshaped cornea should attain stable vision in order to deliver the clear vision that patients are hoping for. 

LASIK Recovery Timeline: What To Expect Within Days and Weeks?

Most individuals start experiencing better vision within a day after LASIK. However, they may still occasionally face minor LASIK eye surgery side effects like halos, glares, starbursts, or streaks. The overall healing time from LASIK eye surgery can range between 3 and 6 months, after which you will experience stabilized and enhanced vision. Sticking to the aftercare while slowly reviving your routine makes the difference. We elaborated on the stage-wise LASIK recovery tips for a better understanding.

Healing During the Initial 24 Hours After LASIK Eye Surgery

You will return home the same day after LASIK. However, you cannot drive by yourself. Having a friend or family member by your side can be of help. Follow these tips after reaching home to feel better immediately, as they help you deal efficiently with the after-LASIK eye surgery problems. 

• Use the prescription eye drops as directed by your ophthalmologist. They keep your eyes moist and reduce the discomfort you face post-surgery.  
• Take a nap or simply relax in bed, keeping your eyes closed for the initial 4 hours. 
• Wear the eye shield and strictly avoid rubbing your eye with your hands or against the pillow or blanket. Rubbing eyes may dislodge the corneal flap.
• Do not strain your eyes by reading or spending time on the screen. 
• While you may take a bath after a few hours, take required care that soap water, chemicals, or hot water do not enter the eye.
• Avoid strenuous work and give yourself enough rest, as your eyes are still dealing with the initial healing. 
• Stay hydrated and use the prescribed medications. Consume a simple and easily digestible meal, and avoid smoking and drinking.

Note that you may experience a few side effects as the anesthesia wears off. Don’t panic; in most cases, they are normal parts of the healing process. Here are the immediate LASIK eye surgery side effects:

• Discomfort associated with dryness and irritation  
• Blurred or foggy vision 
• Sensitivity to light
• Itching or burning sensation
• Occasional starbursts, halos, streaks, or glares
• Slight bloodshot in the white portion of the eye

However, don't hesitate to see your ophthalmologist immediately in case the symptoms worsen, you experience immense pain, or you are poked or accidentally hit in the eye. 

Recovering From LASIK Eye Surgery on the First Day After the Procedure

You will probably have the follow-up check-up scheduled after the first 24 hours. Your eye surgeon will remove the eye shield and monitor the initial healing. While everyone doesn't need to see clearly after surgery, the doctor starts tracking your improvements from now on. You may ask about any of your concerns and discuss the symptoms. Don't forget your after-LASIK surgery eye drops, as they serve as artificial tears by lubricating your eye and helping you deal with dryness. 

Recovery After LASIK Eye Surgery During the First Few Weeks

Continue to follow after LASIK eye surgery precautions and resume to simple routine. Remember that your eyes are still healing and require the right care for better results.

• Avoid hair colors, makeup, and other cosmetic creams around the eyes for a few days. Using them may cause a bacterial infection.
• Avoid gardening, smoky, and dusty environments. It may irritate your eyes. 
• Protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses outside and steering clear of direct sunlight.
• The LASIK recovery time return to work falls around the first few weeks. You may resume less strenuous jobs. Refrain from tough physical work, and do not perform activities that require focus and reading for longer durations. Your eyes are still healing and require adequate rest. 
• Some resume screen-based jobs, like working on a laptop between 2-4 weeks. Taking short breaks and avoiding continuous exposure to the screen is strictly advised. Note that the LASIK recovery time return to computer work depends on the severity of refractive errors and the severity of corneal issues. It's better to consult your ophthalmologist before resuming computer work. 
• You can resume daily activities like exercising, walking, and jogging. However, you should avoid high-impact sports like basketball and contact sports until your eye surgeon clears you. 
• Do not use hot tubs, swimming pools, or beaches for the first couple of months. You may shower regularly at home; however, avoid strong shampoos and hair creams.   

Recovering From LASIK Eye Surgery During the First Few Months

You will visit the ophthalmologist during this period. They will perform a few tests to monitor the progress of your healing and vision stabilization. While a few people can perform their activities with ease while seeing clearly, some still suffer from vision issues. Halos, glare, and starbursts may continue on an occasional basis.^[1] This is quite normal, as human eyes require at least 6 months to heal completely after LASIK eye surgery. 

How Long After LASIK Can I See 20/20?

Around 90% of patients experience clear eyesight 6-12 months after LASIK eye surgery. While most side effects resolve, some patients may find it difficult to drive at night or still see starbursts, halos, or streaks.^[2] You should attend the routine yearly eye examination, even after attaining better vision. This will help track potential eye changes that possibly occur with time, confirm vision stability, and detect early signs of eyesight regression. Lowering eyesight may occur in a few due to age-related presbyopia. Depending on the extent, eye doctors suggest prescription glasses. 

How Long Will My Vision Be Blurry After LASIK, and How Do I Deal With It?

While most patients see clearly between 24-48 hours after LASIK, you can still expect slight blurry vision. However, expect 6-12 months to attain enhanced and stable vision. Most patients complain of dryness, occasional starbursts, streaks, halos, and glare around lights. This is completely normal. It's true that LASIK recovery day by day progresses, while many still see these side effects. This is actually because your eye underwent some major changes and needs to cope while the vision is stabilizing. 

For instance, eye dryness is a common side effect of LASIK. It occurs because LASIK disrupts the corneal nerves involved in tear production. Because of this, candidates face extreme dryness, and prescribed eye drops usually deal with it. These work as artificial tears, lubricating the eyes. Further, the cornea and other eye parts undergo some changes as they heal. Fluid builds up around the swollen cornea as it heals, distorting the light that enters the eye. This is usually seen as starbursts and glare, which should resolve after complete healing. And dealing with it? Simply follow the aftercare LASIK eye surgery steps as described by your ophthalmologist. Provide adequate rest for your eyes as they heal. Use the prescribed eyedrops and take short breaks from work for a comfortable feel. 

When To See an Ophthalmologist After LASIK Eye Surgery?

Your first appointment after LASIK will be the day after the procedure. Your ophthalmologist will monitor the surgical site and check for common side effects. They will perform a simple eye examination and start tracking your vision progress. While this does not necessarily mean everyone can expect vision improvement, it helps to ensure corneal healing and check for infections or inflammation. Your ophthalmologist will determine the follow-up schedule depending on your refractive errors, healing rate, and underlying eye condition. Typically, it falls around 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after LASIK eye surgery. After this, you will attend routine annual eye check-ups. 

Troubleshooting LASIK Recovery

While your ophthalmologist specifically defines your eye check-up schedule, do not limit yourself to it in case of an emergency. Schedule an emergency appointment if you notice abnormal symptoms after LASIK, have had an eye injury, or have suffered a physical blow due to an accident or trauma, or if you experience any sudden, severe pain or vision loss. 

Normal versus abnormal while recovering from LASIK eye surgery

Diet During the Recovery Time for LASIK Eye Surgery

Consuming the right diet during the LASIK eye surgery helps with a smoother recovery by aiding healing. Stay hydrated and include enough antioxidants for tissue repair and to reduce oxidative stress. Consume food items rich in vitamins A and C, omega-3 fatty acids, and zinc. Consider carrots, broccoli, sweet potatoes, spinach, kale, citrus fruits, and berries for your meal plate. Salmon, walnuts, and flax seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Strictly avoid alcohol and smoking as they delay the healing process. Avoid sugary foods due to their potency in fluctuating blood sugars. While you rely on a healthy diet, remember to follow a healthy routine for overall benefits.

What Is Expected After LASIK Beyond Recovery?

After one year, you should attain stable vision and see fewer side effects. A few candidates see a slight lowering of vision, which can be due to age-related issues or underlying progressive issues. However, you can still prolong these with proper diet, effective eye care, and hygiene. LASIK is a permanent procedure, and you can expect long-term success for years and decades. 

Final Word!

LASIK success isn’t immediate or simple. While many boast of immediate results, recovering from LASIK eye surgery takes between 6 months and a year. Strictly follow the eye care tips and attend follow-ups. While slight side effects are common, they are a part of natural healing. While the journey to crystal-clear vision after LASIK unfolds gradually, the long-term rewards are truly transformative. Don't let the initial recovery timeline hold you back from experiencing the life-changing benefits of laser vision correction. 

Are you ready to take the first step towards a brighter future? Sign up with Envoy Health to schedule your personalized LASIK consultation today. Our finest surgeons will assess your individual needs and determine if LASIK is the right choice for you.

References 

1. Symptoms And Satisfaction Of Patients In The Patient-Reported Outcomes With Laser In Situ Keratomileusis (Prowl) Studies
2. Refractive Eye Surgery: Helping Patients Make Informed Decisions About Lasik