Compared to the other laser eye surgeries, Lasik eye patients are happier about the time need to spend for recovery, with majority of the patients reporting and sharing that they started experiencing normal vision fairly, after one day of the Lasik surgery. Improved vision is even experienced by many of Lasik patients, immediately after the Lasik. It is more likely that the patients having higher prescriptions would tend to get improvement of vision quicker, compared to the patients with lower prescription.
Recovery Time After Lasik
- Immediately After the Surgery
- Each Lasik surgeon establishes own protocols for Lasik recovery, according to the best results they are looking for. Most likely, the surgeon provides eye shields or protective sunglasses for the eyes protection and you need to wear them most of the time at home, especially during the nights, for at least one week after the surgery. Though some surgeons release the patient right after the procedure, some of the surgeons prefer you to take rest for at least 10 to 15 minutes of time, before you head home. The patient has to arrange family member or friend to drive home, as one cannot drive immediately after the surgery.
- The numbing drops applied for numbing the eye nerves, during the procedure will wear off, usually in 20 to 30 minutes, right after the surgery. After that, a mild itching or burning sensation would be felt by the patient, and still the eyes should not be touched or rubbed. The eyes may become watery considerably and bloodshot may be appeared or red spots may be developed. However, these are temporary and quite normal symptoms.
- This is very crucial recovery period, as the patient has to be very careful with the eyes and should be very conscious about the eye, not to touch or disturb it.
- First Day & First Week After the Procedure
- First follow-up visit would be scheduled usually, within 24 to 48 hours after the procedure and the surgeon checks that the healing procedure is going correctly. Most of the Lasik patients prefer to go to work, after a day or two after the surgery. However, if possible, it is better to stay at home at least two days after the surgery, to give enough time good healing. During this period, the recommended lubricating eye drops, antibiotic eye drops or steroid eye drops must be given to the eyes, as prescribed by the doctor.
- During the first one week, a slight discomfort is quite possible and this condition is called as ‘eye lash, within the eye. It is not an alarming situation, as it is quite normal.
- First Few Weeks After the Procedure
- Eyes must be continued to be lubricated for a few weeks after the surgery, until the surgeon recommends doing so, at least 3 to 4 times a day to prevent the symptom of dry eye condition. Sensitivity to light is common during this period and this condition can be alleviated with the help of sunglasses, while outdoors.
- During this period, your surgeon may limit certain activities, like wearing eye makeup, exercise, swimming, etc. These can be started after a few weeks after taking assurance from the doctor. If any issues or pain or accidental events occur with the eyes, they should be taken into notice immediately to the doctor to prevent any kind of infections or other complications in the future.
- First 2 to 3 Months After the Procedure
- Usually, complete healing takes total 3 months after the procedure and vision continues to be improved. In case of severe prescription, this period may increase to even 6 months. Since everybody’s condition is unique, healing period is also unique and rarely, about 3 to 5% of cases may need enhancement procedure, in case the vision is not improved to the expected levels.
- During this period, contact sports, whirlpools and hot tubs must be avoided and resumed only after confirmation from the surgeon.
Hence, the total recovery is not the same for all, however, taking special care to the eyes and resuming the activities must be followed in the same way as specified above.