If you’re considering LASIK eye surgery, you’re most likely focused on preparing for the procedure and looking forward to improved eyesight without glasses or contacts. However, knowing what to expect after LASIK — and preparing for your LASIK post-op care, is an important step toward a safe and healthy recovery from laser eye surgery. The LASIK recovery timeline below can help.
The first 24 hours after LASIK eye surgery
- Plan to have someone drive you home following your LASIK eye surgery
- Follow your eye doctor’s instructions, including resting and avoiding any strenuous activity
- You may be given prescription eye drops and lubricating eye drops to take for several days as your eyes heal from LASIK surgery
- You may experience mild light sensitivity
- You should notice improved vision within one day of laser eye surgery
The first week after LASIK eye surgery
- Protect your eyes by wearing your provided post-operative sunglasses during the day and eye shields at night
- Avoid rubbing or touching your eyes
- Return to your doctor for your first post-operative exam to check your vision, examine your corneas and ensure that your recovery is going well
The first month after LASIK eye surgery
- Stay away from contact sports to minimize the risk of getting poked in the eye
- Avoid swimming, hot tubs and exposure to dust and smoke
- Keep soap and any chemicals away from your eyes
- Avoid wearing eye makeup and eye creams for the first several weeks
- Take frequent breaks from digital screens to rest your eyes
The first three to six months after LASIK eye surgery
- Be sure to attend all post-surgery follow-up visits, even if you have no concerns
- Follow any instructions from your eye doctor
Keep in mind that LASIK recovery time can vary depending on factors like your vision prescription, health history and overall health status. Your eye doctor will give you a specific post-surgery recovery plan, and it’s important to follow those instructions. Be sure to contact your eye doctor immediately if you experience any new or worsening symptoms after your LASIK eye surgery.
Once your eyes have healed completely from LASIK eye surgery and you’ve completed your post-operative care, remember to maintain healthy vision by scheduling annual eye exams
Did you know that you can use the CareCredit credit card to pay for LASIK eye surgery, vision exams, vision services and products? The CareCredit credit card is accepted at hundreds of thousands of healthcare providers and health-focused retailers nationwide.* Use our Acceptance Locator or download the CareCredit Mobile App to find a LASIK eye surgeon, vision provider or optical retailer near you that accepts the CareCredit credit card.