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How Long is LASIK Recovery?

If you suffer from astigmatism or are nearsighted or farsighted, you’re likely to be a good candidate for LASIK eye surgery. This quick, safe, and highly effective procedure restores clear eyesight in most patients in one to three days. Performed on an outpatient basis in your eye doctor’s office, you’ll be given a local anesthesia to numb the eye area prior to the procedure. Your doctor may also administer an oral medication designed to help you relax during the surgery.

LASIK eye surgery recovery time is minimal, typically up to a few days. In very rare circumstances, recovery can last up to a week. However, the vast majority of patients report feeling no pain and very little discomfort during LASIK surgery, and most are able to return to work and perform everyday tasks such as driving their vehicles on the next day.

How Long is LASIK Recovery?

If you suffer from astigmatism or are nearsighted or farsighted, you’re likely to be a good candidate for LASIK eye surgery. This quick, safe, and highly effective procedure restores clear eyesight in most patients in one to three days. Performed on an outpatient basis in your eye doctor’s office, you’ll be given a local anesthesia to numb the eye area prior to the procedure. Your doctor may also administer an oral medication designed to help you relax during the surgery.

LASIK eye surgery recovery time is minimal, typically up to a few days. In very rare circumstances, recovery can last up to a week. However, the vast majority of patients report feeling no pain and very little discomfort during LASIK surgery, and most are able to return to work and perform everyday tasks such as driving their vehicles on the next day.

What to Expect After LASIK Surgery

Your eye doctor will send you home with lubricating eye drops to promote healing. The usual recommendation is that patients use these for about a week. You will also be provided with a list of detailed instructions on how and when to use these eye drops.

LASIK eye surgery side effects can include some blurriness of vision during their recovery period from the procedure. An appointment will be scheduled for the day following the surgery so the doctor can ensure that your recovery is proceeding on pace and that no complications have arisen. Follow up visits will be scheduled for the next year so that your eye doctor can monitor your vision. These visits are all included in the overall cost of LASIK surgery.

We’re here to answer any questions you may have, so please contact us by phone or through our convenient online contact form for more information.

Dr. David Litoff performing LASIK surgery at ICON Eyecare

Facilitating the Healing Process

While you should be able to resume your daily activities shortly after surgery, there are a few precautions you should take to help your eyes heal as quickly as possible:

  • Your surgeon will give you protective eye shields. Wear them for the first week following surgery to prevent accidental irritation, especially when sleeping.
  • Avoid smoke, dust, dirt, and other particulates that can aggravate your eyes.
  • Avoid applying eye makeup or moisturizer for at least a week.
  • Refrain from playing sports for several days. Swimming and contact sports should be avoided for three to four weeks.
  • Follow your surgeon’s directions if they suggest you wear safety or sports glasses with polycarbonate lenses for certain activities.

Everyone’s recovery experience is unique, so if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact your doctor.

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