LASIK Recovery

Your investment in LASIK laser vision correction surgery will be one of your best decisions ever. The three most typical types of refractive error—nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism—were the driving forces behind the development of LASIK.

What to Expect After LASIK

Patients reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contacts after LASIK, which is really invaluable! Before deciding to get LASIK surgery, patients typically inquire with us about the healing process. In this article, we’ll go through what to expect during your LASIK eye surgery recovery and address some common questions we get at Chu Vision Institute. Chu Vision Institute is the leader in modern, personalized vision correction procedures in the Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota area. We are excited to meet you and will be delighted to answer any questions you have regarding LASIK and the healing process. Contact our clinic right away to schedule your LASIK consultation and get started on the road to visual independence and freedom from glasses and contacts.

How long will my LASIK recovery time be?

One of the many excellent aspects of LASIK surgery is its quick recovery. For both eyes, the actual procedure only takes around 15 minutes. You should expect to spend around an hour and a half in our clinic on the day of your LASIK surgery at Chu Vision Institute, even though the actual procedure is brief. We confirm our measurements by repeating some of the same tests that were done during your original thorough consultation before completing your LASIK procedure. The LASIK procedure itself is painless. Your eyelids will be supported by a soft eyelid holder, so you won’t have to worry about blinking while the treatment is being done. You will receive numbing eye drops before the treatment starts. With excimer and femtosecond lasers, the actual laser therapy only takes a few seconds for each eye. While you recover in our recovery area for a short time, Dr. Chu will check your eyes to make sure everything looks perfect. Along with whatever medication your surgeon may recommend, you will also receive post-operative instructions, eye drops, and other supplies.

It is important to bring a friend or family member to your procedure who can drive you home afterward. Six to twelve hours are often needed for the initial recuperation after LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) surgery. This differs from patient to patient and is influenced by a variety of factors, including the degree of inflammation you may experience. While some LASIK patients may require a few days, the majority experience a noticeable improvement in their visual acuity quickly after their procedure. During the first week or two after LASIK, it’s typical to have intermittent blurry vision, glare, halos, and fluctuating vision. These signs and symptoms are only temporary, and time and the use of post-operative eye drops will make things much better and clearer. As soon as your LASIK procedure is complete, your eyes will begin the healing process. However, it usually takes between four and six weeks after LASIK for patients to experience stable vision. At your follow-up consultations at Chu Vision Institute, we will monitor your recovery and offer you a better sense of your unique recovery timeline.

LASIK Recovery Common Questions Answered

See All LASIK FAQs

After having LASIK eye surgery, is there anything I can do to accelerate the recovery time?

Patients who have undergone LASIK vision correction are relieved to have clear vision and anxious to resume their regular lives. Use the following tips to speed your LASIK eye surgery recovery time and prevent any setbacks:

Limit your screen time on day one.
Avoid rubbing your eyes and refrain from touching them.
On the first day, keep your eyes closed as much as you can.
Most patients return to work the next day
Follow the directions on any eye drops that your doctor may have prescribed.
As you heal from LASIK, wear sunglasses outside.
No swimming, hot tubs, saunas, or contact sports for 2 weeks.
Closely follow your LASIK instructions given by your doctor.
Attend all follow up appointments

After my LASIK procedure, what should I be doing in the first twenty-four hours?

According to Chu Vision Institute’s highly qualified LASIK eye surgeons, you should rest for the first 6-8 hours following your laser eye surgery. During this period, LASIK patients should limit reading, using computers, doing intense activities, or watching television. Sunglasses are a good idea outside because you’ll be light sensitive after your LASIK surgery. You’ll feel more comfortable and recover from LASIK faster if you protect your eyes. You can safely take a shower the day following surgery, but be careful not to get soap in your eyes to prevent irritation. Take all prescription drugs, lubricating eye drops, and artificial tears that your doctor recommends. These will hasten the recovery process. Although the likelihood of an eye infection following LASIK is extremely low, the prescription eye drops you will use contain an antibiotic to lessen that likelihood. The greatest recommendation is to relax and rest for the first 12-24 hours following your treatment.

During my LASIK recovery, what should I avoid doing?

Although laser vision correction is a quick, painless procedure with a relatively short recovery period, patients must take steps to ensure a pain-free healing process. When your eyes are healing from LASIK, try not to touch or rub them. For at least a week after surgery, patients should refrain from using hot tubs, swimming, and other water sports to help lower the chance of infection. It’s reasonable that patients want to resume their normal routine and benefit from good vision in their daily lives, but it’s important to give your eyes enough time to recover. Try to limit your screen time on your phone and computer during the first 12 hours following your LASIK treatment. The usage of screens may prolong healing and lead to dry eye syndrome in your eyes. If you restrict your screen time, your eyes will have time to recover and rest. During your appointment, your LASIK surgeon will go over the suggested post-operative care routine with you. Follow the advice of your LASIK surgeon to ensure a quick, painless recovery for your eyes.

Will I immediately experience 20/20 vision following my LASIK procedure?

All eyes heal differently after LASIK; therefore, recovery timelines might vary from person to person. However, by the day following LASIK surgery, most patients have 20/20 vision (or better)! Visual perception is frequently very good, but this does not mean that the healing process is complete, and patients should continue to follow their doctor’s recommendations closely.

After LASIK, how soon will I be able to return to driving?

Since LASIK’s visual recovery is so rapid, patients usually feel comfortable driving the day after their surgery. You should listen to your doctor’s advice regarding whether or not you should drive the day following your LASIK surgical procedure because everyone heals at a different rate. If your vision has improved and you are healing as expected, your eye doctor will give you the all-clear to drive at your follow-up appointment the day after your surgery. Most state DMVs will need signed paperwork from you to eliminate any restrictions on your ability to drive without glasses or contact lenses.

Will I be in pain as I recover from LASIK?

Your LASIK procedure will be pain-free. For the first few hours after a LASIK procedure, your eyes may feel irritated and even have a burning sensation, but you shouldn’t experience severe pain. The eyes feel completely normal again by that evening once the inflammation decreases. It is typical to have mildly dry, irritated, or itchy eyes during the first few days, although extreme pain shouldn’t be experienced. To ease any pain and expedite the healing process, your eye surgeon will give you medicated eye drops.

How soon after LASIK can you wash your face?

In general, it’s fine to wash your face after having LASIK. As when taking a shower, avoid getting soap in your eyes. When washing your face, take your time, rinse it off carefully, and try not to rub your eyes. Drying your face requires gently dabbing the skin with a towel while being mindful not to rub your eyes.

How soon after LASIK can you wash your hair?

You can wash your hair the day after laser eye surgery. You should take additional care to avoid getting soap in your eyes when taking a shower or washing your hair, especially in the first week after LASIK surgery, to help prevent an eye infection or irritation.

Why should I have my LASIK procedure at Chu Vision Institute?

Our mission at Chu Vision Institute is to improve patient’s quality of life through cutting-edge vision correction. For patients 18 and older, Dr. Ralph Chu and our talented group of experts offer LASIK and many other advanced vision correction procedures. We look forward to giving you the individualized vision approach you deserve so you can enjoy the life you deserve in the True North. Patients rely on us to stay at the forefront of technology by providing cutting-edge eye care procedures in the Twin Cities area. Our experts will determine if you are a candidate for LASIK, or one of our other amazing procedures, and suggest a particular treatment plan during your personalized consultation that is tailored to your unique eyes. Call Chu Vision Institute today or visit our website to schedule your consultation to learn more about LASIK or our LASIK alternatives. It’s time to find your True North with New 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.