Here’s Everything to Know About Recovering After LASIK
So you want to have LASIK, congratulations! LASIK can change your life by giving you incredible vision and freedom from contact lenses and glasses.
The procedure is highly effective, quick, and painless and has a high patient satisfaction rate of 96%. Recovery from LASIK surgery is pretty painless, too!
Many patients feel well enough to return to their normal activities within a day or two. Keep reading to learn everything to know about recovering from LASIK!
What Can I Expect Right After LASIK?
When you get home from LASIK, your eyes will still probably feel numb from the eye drops administered by your surgeon before the procedure. For the first 24 hours, you should rest your eyes and enjoy some well-earned relaxation!
You don’t have to keep them closed the whole time, but you should try not to use them much. Napping and relaxing while listening to your favorite podcasts or diving into a good audiobook is a great way to get through this short period and make it more fun!
You may feel some discomfort when the numbing eye drops wear off, but it will likely go away within just a day or two. Familiar over-the-counter painkillers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen can help, but check with your eye doctor before taking them, as safety is key!
Your LASIK surgeon will send you home with prescription eyedrops to help make you more comfortable and protect you from infection. Be sure to use them as directed to get the best possible results out of your recovery!
What Does Recovery Look Like in the Days Following LASIK?
You’ll have a follow-up appointment with your LASIK surgeon the day after your procedure. At this point, you should notice visual improvement already!
This is when most patients are cleared to drive again. Yes, the recovery is really that quick!
Your eye doctor will also make sure your eyes are healing well and answer any additional questions you may have. If you still feel a lot of discomfort, tell your eye doctor.
After your first follow-up appointment, you can return to most of your regular activities with only a few exceptions!
What Can I Expect in the Weeks Following LASIK?
In the weeks following LASIK, you’ll notice your vision getting better and better. You’ll still need to use your prescription eye drops in the first week after surgery, and you may also have to wear an eye shield at night.
Be sure to continue attending any additional follow-up appointments with your eye doctor at Mueller Vision. They can give you specific instructions on when you can return to all of your favorite activities!
You’ll have to wait a week or two to use eye makeup again, as well as any lotions or other beauty products around the eyes. You also shouldn’t get into a pool or hot tub.
But don’t worry! As soon as you’re cleared by your eye doctor, you’ll be jumping into the pool and doing your favorite winged liner look with clearer vision than ever!
During the first few weeks, you should also be extra careful not to get anything into your eyes, including soap and water when showering. If you’re taking your new vision for a spin outside, wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays.
What Will My Vision Be Like in the Months Following LASIK?
While the initial recovery period for LASIK is only a week or two, it technically takes 3 to 6 months for your eyes to heal fully. However, most patients notice immediate improvements in their vision after LASIK!
As time goes on, you’ll likely notice your vision keeps on improving until you reach your peak vision at 3-6 months! At this point, you’re completely done healing, and your new vision is yours to keep forever.
Celebrate by attending a concert and watching your favorite band in gorgeous high-definition or taking a dip in the pool without hassling around with glasses or contacts! You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how good it feels to finally have visual freedom and the crystal-clear vision you’ve always wanted.
Want to find out if LASIK could be right for you? Schedule an appointment with Mueller Vision in Fort Worth, TX, today! Isn’t it time to give yourself the gift of great vision?
