Posted by: Eye Health Northwest in LASIK on June 23, 2025
LASIK can offer life-changing vision correction for people with common refractive errors, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. It is a quick and safe procedure, but recovery plays a crucial role in ensuring optimal results.
Before choosing LASIK, it is essential to thoroughly understand each step of the procedure, including the recovery process. Keep reading to learn more about what to expect during LASIK recovery.
What is LASIK?
LASIK is a laser vision correction procedure that can permanently improve vision to 20/20 or better. It is an in-office procedure that is performed under local anesthesia.
During the procedure, a femtosecond laser is used to create a tiny flap on the surface of the cornea. The flap is gently lifted to allow access to the middle layer of the cornea.
Using an excimer laser, corneal tissue is reshaped and removed. Altering corneal tissue corrects refractive errors by allowing light entering the eye to correctly focus on the retina.
Once the corneal flap has been placed back over your eye, the procedure is complete. A LASIK procedure is very quick, taking approximately ten minutes per eye.
LASIK Recovery Timeline
Immediately After LASIK
Immediately after surgery, you may experience some discomfort, such as burning, itchiness, or the feeling that there is something in your eye. Initially, your vision may be blurry or hazy, and your eyes may be very watery.
You will be sent home with eye shields to prevent anything from touching your eyes. You should take it easy for the rest of the day and rest your eyes as much as possible.
You will need to avoid activities that might strain your eyes, like reading or looking at an electronic device, and wear the eye shields overnight to prevent accidental rubbing or touching while you sleep. Your eye doctor will also provide you with prescription eye drops to reduce inflammation and prevent infection.
Be sure to apply these eye drops as directed.
Day After LASIK
Many LASIK patients report a noticeable improvement in vision clarity within 24 hours after the procedure. Most can resume their normal activities as soon as the day after LASIK.
You may continue to experience some temporary side effects, including dryness, light sensitivity, and glare, but they will gradually disappear. It’s important to closely follow any post-care instructions to prevent unwanted complications and ensure the best possible vision outcomes.
First Month After LASIK
In the weeks following LASIK, your vision should continue to improve. Using any prescribed eye drops or other medications helps to promote healing and comfortable vision.
For the first month, you will be asked not to play any contact sports and to avoid any activity that could get water in your eyes, like swimming or relaxing in a hot tub. Refraining from these activities significantly reduces your risk of post-procedure complications.
You should contact your ophthalmologist if you notice any signs or symptoms of complications. Complications from LASIK are rare but should be addressed immediately to protect the health of your eyes and the clarity of your vision.
By the end of the first month, most patients are enjoying the amazing results of LASIK. While it can take up to three months for vision to fully stabilize, good vision is usually achieved much sooner.
Long-Term Recovery After LASIK
While most LASIK recovery occurs during the first month after the procedure, complete vision stabilization can take several months. During that time, you may notice subtle changes to your vision as your eyes fully heal.
By six months, most LASIK patients are considered fully recovered from their procedure. Once recovery is complete, the only thing left to do is enjoy your life with clear, convenient, glasses-free vision!
Are you considering LASIK? Schedule a consultation at EyeHealth Northwest in Portland, OR, today to determine whether you are a good candidate for the procedure!
