Full LASIK recovery takes between three and six months, but most people say they see a difference in as little as 24-hours after surgery. Your individual recovery time will be different because no two people heal exactly the same way. In general, patients can expect the following during their LASIK recovery time:
Day One Following LASIK: Shortly after your LASIK eye surgery, you will be directed to go home and rest. You must refrain from using your eyes as much as possible during the first 24-hours after your procedure. You will be given specific instructions on how to care for your treated eyes and what to avoid during your recovery. You may notice that your eye itches, burns, waters or feels like you have an eyelash stuck in it. This is entirely normal and will go away with time. The main thing to remember is to avoid rubbing the eye at all costs. Rubbing the eye can displace the corneal flap that was created during the procedure. Wearing a protective eye shield at night will help you stop from poking or rubbing your eye at night while you sleep, too.
Week One Following LASIK: By the end of the first week, you should have your first follow-up appointment. During this visit, you will most likely be released to go back to driving and work. You can resume most normal activities minus swimming, hot tubs, saunas and contact sports. You may continue to experience some itching and the sensation that something is in the eye.
Month One Following LASIK: During this point in your LASIK eye surgery recovery, you should be back to your normal routine. You will still need to avoid extreme sports and exercise for a few more weeks. Make sure to continue using moisturizing eye drops even when you feel like you do not need them to maintain the correct moisture level for proper healing.
LASIK surgery results can sometimes take several months. Often, the more drastic your prescription, the longer healing takes. During your initial LASIK consultation in Laguna Hills, one of the doctors at Harvard Eye Associates can give you an estimate of LASIK recovery time for you based on your individual eyes and prescription. For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact Harvard Eye Associates at 949-951-2020 or harvardeye.com.
