How Long Before I Can See After LASIK

You may be wondering when you’ll be able to see clearly after LASIK. Every patient heals a little differently, but here’s what you can typically expect in the hours, days, and weeks following your laser vision correction.

Helping You Feel Confident About Your Decision

At Chu Vision Institute, we want our LASIK surgery patients to feel confident in their decision to have laser vision correction surgery. As with most things in life, the unknowns often make things seem scarier than they really are. By answering your questions and giving you information ahead of time about your LASIK eye surgery, you can feel relaxed and comfortable knowing what to expect during the healing process after your LASIK vision correction surgery.

What Is LASIK?

Light should bend and focus on your retina when it strikes your cornea. When this doesn’t happen properly, it may cause vision problems such as blurry vision and this is called a refractive error. Many people wear some type of corrective lens in order to have clear vision, but LASIK can help correct refractive errors, including nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. LASIK, also known as laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, is a life-changing alternative to wearing glasses or contact lenses that can improve visual perception.

How Does LASIK Work?

A specialized laser is used during LASIK surgery to precisely alter the shape of the cornea, the dome-shaped transparent tissue at the front of the eye, to enhance vision. LASIK surgery is a relatively quick procedure using the latest technology in the field of ophthalmology that produces long-lasting eyesight correction. Our mission is to provide patients throughout Minnesota with clear eyesight so they can live fulfilling lives. In less than 20 minutes, this procedure can change your life. During a LASIK procedure, a tiny corneal flap is made and then lifted upward to reshape the corneal tissue beneath.

This process ensures that there is no more refractive error. After your LASIK procedure, we reposition the flap so that you recover from the process without needing any stitches. It is important to schedule follow-up appointments with your doctor at regular intervals during your LASIK eye surgery recovery to make sure your eyes are healing properly. Although LASIK is one of the safest medical procedures and very low risk, if at any time during the healing process you feel your vision hasn’t returned to normal or if you experience any unusual signs and symptoms, call your doctor immediately.

What to Expect During LASIK Recovery

We are often asked how long it will take before vision is clear after LASIK. Any type of surgical procedure has a healing process that takes time, and refractive surgery is no different. While some patients’ vision can take up to a week to seem normal, for the majority, it begins to return to normal within 48 hours. LASIK patients should always follow the advice of their ophthalmologist regarding post-operative therapies and preventative measures for expediting the healing process. Your eye doctor will explain what to expect in the hours and days following your procedure at your appointment and will check your healing at your follow-up visit.

close up on machine used to view your eyes

Tips for an Optimal LASIK Surgery Recovery Process

Following the LASIK treatment, your surgeon will advise you to follow a set of optimal recovery practices in order to encourage healing. The following are the most typical dos and don’ts for LASIK patients:

Avoid rubbing your eyes/eyelids.
Utilize the eye drops that your doctor has directed you to use in order to treat dry eyes and avoid infection and irritation.
Avoid eye irritants, including airborne chemicals such as fumes, smoke, and dust, until the surface of the eye is healed. Typically this is about two weeks.
Avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, and Jacuzzis for two weeks after LASIK to avoid any risk of infection.
Avoid contact sports for two weeks following LASIK.

Patient Reviews

I am pleased with my results

I had cataract surgery for my left eye with the Light Adjustable Lens (LAL). Chu Vision Institute made sure my eyes were taken care of throughout the entire process. T...

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PRK was the best decision I have ever done. I wouldn’t have explored surgery options with any other clinic or surgeon. Eye surgery is nerve racking, but Dr Chu and his tea...

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I had the most amazing experience at Chu Vision! Every aspect of my journey getting the Light Adjustable Lens' to correct my vision was wonderful. Can't say enough of Dr Chu and...

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Dr. Chu is an excellent doctor. I felt confident in his knowledge and ability as a surgeon. He is a very kind and caring person and felt very comfortable with him. His staff is ...

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I promise you will not just be pleased, but THRILLED!

I had been in need of cataract surgery for a while. I was having trouble finding a surgeon that I wanted to touch my eyes! Then my son had Laser Surgery at Chu Institute and was...

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Recovery was quick

Even with my medical background, this was out of my area of expertise, so I was pretty nervous. Quickly I was reassured by their very comprehensive examination, excellent profes...

Orlando

Very thorough, professional, and uplifting

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The teamwork at the Chu Vision Institute is fantastic.

The teamwork at the Chu Vision Institute is fantastic. They are careful to answer one's questions, diligent about prepping for surgery, and of course the surgeons are top notch....

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The procedure was quick and my recovery was totally painless

I had never had cataract surgery before, so thus was unexplored territory for me. The preparatory videos, however, were invaluable. I had numerous follow-up phone calls from Chu...

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I am confident in the future health of my eyes

I had LASIK done at Chu Vision today. I was so impressed with every step of the process. They have clearly thought of each step of the client experience. I am confident in the f...

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I have been going to Chu Vision for annual eye appointments for eight years. All annual appointments were done by caring professionals. This year, the need for cataract surgery ...

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Can see great at long distance and up close with glasses

Light (adjustable) cataract surgery lens replacement. Satisfied with the results. Can see great at long distance and up close with glasses. Professionally run organization. Ever...

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This procedure is absolutely life-changing

I had the EVO ICL procedure done and am so happy with the results!! It’s crazy to think I won’t need contacts or glasses anymore, and waking up each morning being ab...

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By far the best eye vision clinic I have ever been to

This was by far the best eye vision clinic I have ever been to. They are so polite and caring. Dr. Chu absolutely knows what he is doing and so personable. Great job to the whol...

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Thank you for making me see the light (pun intended:) ).

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I’m 20/20, and it is so freeing!

I had a refractive lens exchange (RLE) procedure with Chu nearly 2 years ago, and I still think about how much it has improved my day-to-day life nearly every day! I had extreme...

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I now have 20/20 vision without glasses

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I am so impressed with this clinic from start to finish. They are a well-oiled machine, and have clearly considered the patient experience all the way through. I felt comfortabl...

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Chu Vision did a great job. From the initial evaluations through the cataract surgery I had on both of my eyes. Everything went smoothly and as planned. It has now been three mo...

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The team there made you feel comfortable and at ease

I had cataract surgery. The care was unbelievable the team there made you feel comfortable and at ease. All my follow up visits was all about my healing process and even the pho...

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I walked into Chu Vision and my life has been forever changed. I had been wearing glasses for almost 25 years and after doing my research chose Dr. Chu for my surgery. I cannot ...

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They made me feel comfortable and confident that I was in good hands.

Dr Chu is an excellent kind efficient ophthalmologist. His staff mirrors his effective leadership. My experience with every staff person was excellent. They made me feel comfort...

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I wish I could give them higher than a 5-star rating!

Chu Vision is amazing! Everyone who works there is phenomenal. With my Light Adjustable Lens I made many trips to this wonderful facility. I was always treated with kindness and...

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Within 24 hours of the surgery, I’m seeing clear and my eyes feel normal.

Got LASIK done in both eyes yesterday and I couldn’t be happier. I’d recommend Chu Vision to anyone interested in LASIK surgery. Dr. Chu & everyone there d...

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My vision results are spot on

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Take the First Step Toward Clear Vision

If you would like to learn more about LASIK and how you can have clear vision without the need to wear contact lenses or glasses, call our office today to schedule your consultation. Our thorough eye exam will help our doctor determine if you are a good candidate for LASIK.

How Long Before You Can See After LASIK Common Questions Answered

Will I Have Blurry Vision After LASIK?

Your vision may be a little blurry for a few hours following the LASIK procedure. The blurriness and clarity of your vision should noticeably improve during the first 24 hours. Although there will be significant improvement in your vision within 24 hours, you can still occasionally encounter intermittent fluctuations in your vision as your eyes become used to the reshaped cornea. It will typically take between three and six months after LASIK for your eyes to fully recover, and it’s common to experience minor fluctuations throughout this time. Naturally, the degree of your post-LASIK improvement will depend on your level of visual acuity before the procedure. For instance, those having LASIK for farsightedness may first notice that nearby objects are clearer than distant ones, but they will discover that their distance vision improves after about a month. Additionally, if you needed a strong eyeglass prescription before the procedure, it can take longer for your eyesight to completely stabilize following laser eye surgery.

How Long After LASIK Until I Can…

After LASIK, you naturally want to resume your favorite activities, but many of them necessitate having clear vision in order to do them safely. Drive? You should arrange for a ride to the LASIK center on the day of surgery and a ride home following your procedure, as you will experience blurry vision in the first few hours and not be able to drive. It is advised that you refrain from driving for at least 24 hours following your LASIK eye surgery. At your initial follow-up visit after surgery, your doctor will determine whether you’re okay to drive or not. The amount of time that each patient must wait before driving following LASIK surgery varies depending on the individual. However, the majority of patients receive their doctor’s clearance to drive after their follow up appointment eye exam once they have clearer vision. Watch TV?After LASIK surgery, we recommend that you go home and take a nice long nap. After your nap you can resume activities such as watching TV, playing video games, computer work and reading. Taking breaks as needed and keeping your eyes lubricated will help with any eye strain you may feel.

How Long Do You Have to Wear Sunglasses After LASIK?

After LASIK, you should anticipate some eye sensitivity. The majority of LASIK patients are sensitive to bright lights immediately following the procedure. After surgery, this is temporary and should disappear within 12 to 24 hours. Wearing sunglasses when outdoors is always good practice to avoid unnecessary UV exposure. Find out from your doctor which sunglasses are ideal for your healing eyes. In general, it is advised that your sunglasses include polarized lenses and UV protection.

When Can I Go Swimming?

If you’ve ever gone swimming without goggles, you know how easily the chlorine in a pool can sting your eyes. Therefore, it is advised that you avoid swimming for at least two weeks following LASIK. Talk to your doctor about when you’ll be allowed to swim if you’re eager to get back in the water during your LASIK recovery.

Why Choose Chu Vision Institute for LASIK?

Our staff at Chu Vision Institute has over 25 years of experience performing LASIK procedures and always makes a point to thoroughly explain to every patient not only the treatment itself but also the healing period and what to expect after LASIK. We look forward to helping you and your loved ones to experience life with restored vision by providing caring, individualized care. Schedule your consultation appointment right away to start your path to better vision. Board-certified ophthalmologist Dr. Ralph Chu is a fellowship-trained corneal specialist and a nationally recognized leader in refractive and cataract procedures. His specialty areas include cataract, LASIK, cornea, and minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries for patients in the Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Twin Cities areas.