Most patients experience a dramatic improvement in vision immediately following LASIK surgery, although full recovery can take about six months. Dr. Francis Clark will fully explain the projected timeline of LASIK recovery during a visit to one of his offices near Philadelphia, PA, office, and provide explicit instructions to ensure that you heal properly.
LASIK eye surgery can provide an instant improvement in vision, but full recovery takes about six months.
Post-surgery Precautions
The corneal flap created during LASIK surgery can become disrupted without proper care, leading to a host of complications. Until cleared by Dr. Clark, you should:
- Sleep with protective shields
- Take measures to avoid rubbing your eyes
- Avoid all water activities, such as swimming
- Avoid all contact sports and highly strenuous activity
- Avoid using eye makeup
- Avoid showering during the remainder of the day following surgery
It is also advisable to take a day or two off work, and to alert your doctor if you notice anything unusual, such as pain or irritation. We will schedule follow-up visits to ensure that you are healing properly.
Dr. Clark and his team of compassionate professionals take every measure to ensure that you are informed every step of the way during your LASIK surgery experience.
General Recovery Timeline
During the first 24 hours, it is very important that you rest your eyes as much as possible. Reading, watching TV, and using a computer or smartphone must be avoided.
The day after your surgery, you will return to the office for a post-op visit to check your vision and look for any signs of complications. You can usually drive after this appointment. You can also resume most of your daily activities, but continue to avoid anything strenuous. When you go outside, you should protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses. Also, use lubricating eye drops if you are going to watch TV, read, or use the computer.
One week after surgery, you will have another follow-up visit to assess your recovery. After this visit, you should be able to exercise regularly, but must continue to avoid swimming and contact sports. It is common for patients to have variable vision during this time, including difficulty with glare or halos. Continue wearing sunglasses outside and use lubricating eye drops if you experience any discomfort. It is also common to experience dry eyes at this time, but this will gradually subside. If you experience persistent dry eyes, your surgeon will advise an appropriate course of action.
Your next visit to our practice will take place about three weeks after the surgery. At that time, your surgeon will advise which activities are safe to resume. Within six months after surgery, your vision should be stabilized and the results of surgery fully realized. You may have one or two more follow-up appointments.
Schedule Your Consultation
Dr. Clark and his team of compassionate professionals take every measure to ensure that you are informed every step of the way during your LASIK surgery experience. If you are interested in LASIK surgery, or have questions about any stage of planning, undergoing, or recovering from the procedure, schedule a consultation with us today.
