What Is LASIK Recovery Like?

Continual refinements to LASIK surgical techniques have made the procedure more convenient than ever before. Part of this enhanced convenience is the brevity of the surgery and speed at which your vision accelerates from blurred perception to high-definition image.

The main phase of the procedure, the reshaping of the cornea, takes less than a minute. The surgical laser is in contact with the cornea for 40 seconds or less, and the entire procedure is over in about a half hour. The recovery period is also brief and painless, and is usually complication-free. Below, experienced ophthalmologist Dr. Jay Schwartz of Phoenix-area Schwartz Laser Eye Center outlines the phases of post-LASIK healing.

Healing Timeline

Your eyes begin healing immediately after your LASIK procedure, and you should begin seeing clearly within eight hours. Over the next few months, your vision will adjust to the new cornea shape until you achieve maximum clarity.

During the recovery period, some patients report slight fluctuations in vision, sensitivity to light, halos around lights, occasional blurring and difficulty with night driving. In addition, it is not uncommon to experience dry eyes for weeks or months. You may briefly experience a slight itching or burning sensation.

Your Role in Recovery

Give your eyes room to heal efficiently by avoiding makeup, swimming, vigorous physical activity, contact sports and especially rubbing the eyes. Dr. Schwartz will also advise you when it is safe for you to resume night driving.

Make sure to keep your follow-up appointments, as it allows Dr. Schwartz an opportunity to measure the changes in your vision and check for any complications. If you do feel pain as your eyes heal, this is actually an indicator that you need to return to the office so that your surgeon can check for infection or other side effects that require prompt attention.

The healing process is unique to each patient. Some attain their new, sharper vision quickly, while others experience some fluctuation in vision over a longer period. Only when your eyes have completely healed can Dr. Schwartz fully evaluate your eye health and quantify the amount of improvement you have gained from the procedure.

If you would like to learn more about LASIK, we invite you to schedule a personal consultation with skilled ophthalmologist Dr. Jay Schwartz at his Phoenix, Glendale or Scottsdale office by calling or emailing Schwartz Laser Eye Center today.