Understanding LASIK Healing Period: Crucial Insights Revealed
Hey there! Ever wondered what it'd be like to ditch those glasses or contacts forever? LASIK could make that dream a reality! But before you jump in, let's talk about what you can expect during the recovery process.
We chatted with our optometrist, Jason Marcellus, OD, about typical LASIK recovery timelines and what you should be prepared for.
LASIK Recovery Timeline
From day one, you'll notice significant improvements in your vision after LASIK. However, full healing at a cellular level can take weeks, so you might experience some side effects for a while. Here's a breakdown of a typical LASIK recovery journey, but remember, everybody heals differently!
Immediately After LASIK
Prepare to leave the surgery center with improved vision! LASIK typically lasts under 30 minutes, so after prep and post-op instructions, you'll likely be on your way home in two hours. It's essential to have a driver, though, as you probably won't be allowed to drive right away. Your eyes might be sensitive to light and numb, making it risky to navigate the roads.
After the procedure, your surgeon will likely advise you to take a nap to help your eyes heal faster. The surgery numbs your eyes with drops, and when they wear off, your eyes may feel sensitive, burning, or stinging a bit. Watering is normal too.
Relax your eyes as much as you can on that first day. Limit screen time, quit work for the evening, and put that book down (even if it's a good one).
1 to 2 Days After LASIK
Most people can drive themselves to their first-day-after-surgery appointment, and within 24 to 48 hours after surgery, you'll probably be able to return to work and daily activities with a few cautions to protect your healing eyes.
Don't drive at night for a little while yet. Ask your eye care provider if your prescription is safe for night driving. Evidently, most people can drive safely within a day of LASIK, but your vision may not be its absolute best at this point. There's still room for improvement, which can continue for up to six months after the surgery.
1 to 3 Weeks After LASIK
Though it might not seem like much is happening, your eyes will continue to heal behind the scenes. The corneas can be numb for several weeks or even months post-surgery, which may cause your eyes to be extra dry during recovery. This dryness can prolong healing and affect your vision.
Use the prescription eye drops your provider gives you, and apply preservative-free artificial tears four times per day (or more) to promote healing and combat dryness.
1 to 6 Months After LASIK
By around six months after LASIK, 99% of people achieve at least 20/40 vision, which is good enough to drive legally. Over 90% have 20/20 vision or better! Any dry eye symptoms you may experience should mostly disappear by about three to six months after the surgery.
Enjoy the wonders of clear vision 24/7 without glasses or contacts with LASIK! If you have concerns about your LASIK recovery or think your healing isn't progressing as expected, talk to your eye care team! They're here to help!
In the health-and-wellness field, discussing LASIK recovery, it's important to note that improvements in vision are evident from day one after the procedure. Yet, full cellular healing can take weeks, so side effects such as sensitivity to light, numbness, and dryness might persist. Science plays a crucial role here, as LASIK involves the precise reshaping of the cornea, a key component in vision, through a laser. Similarly, sports enthusiasts may benefit from LASIK, as the recovery process typically allows for a return to daily activities within a couple of days, while avoiding night driving for a short while.
