How Long Does It Take to Recover from LASIK
If you’re considering LASIK, you’re probably wondering, “How long does it take to recover?” The good news is that LASIK recovery is fast—most people see clearly within a day!
At Elite LASIK & Cataract, we make the LASIK experience simple and stress-free. Here’s what to expect during the healing process.
What Is the Recovery Timeline After LASIK?
First 24 Hours:
- Mild blurriness & discomfort (feels like having an eyelash in your eye).
- Rest your eyes – avoid screens, reading, and bright lights.
- No rubbing your eyes – this is crucial for healing.
Day 1 to 3:
- Vision starts to clear up significantly.
- Most patients return to work & normal activities after 1–2 days.
- Use prescribed eye drops to prevent infection and dryness.
Week 1:
- Avoid swimming, hot tubs, and heavy exercise.
- Night vision may still be adjusting.
- Some dry eye symptoms are common—use artificial tears.
1 Month & Beyond:
- Most side effects (like halos or dryness) fade within a few weeks.
- Vision fully stabilizes within 3–6 months.
- Enjoy clear vision without glasses or contacts!
How to Speed Up Your LASIK Recovery
- Follow post-op instructions – Use all prescribed eye drops.
- Rest your eyes – Avoid excessive screen time for the first 24 hours.
- Protect your eyes – Wear sunglasses outdoors to shield from UV rays.
- Stay hydrated – Dry eyes are common, so drink plenty of water.
- Attend follow-up visits – These are important to track healing.
When Can You Drive After LASIK?
Most people are cleared to drive within 24 hours, but it depends on how your vision is recovering. At your follow-up visit the next day, your doctor will confirm if you can drive.
Is LASIK Recovery Painful?
No! LASIK is virtually painless. Some patients report mild discomfort or dryness in the first few days, but it quickly improves.
Are You Ready for LASIK?
LASIK offers life-changing results with minimal downtime. If you’re wondering if LASIK is right for you, the best way to find out is to take our quick self-test!
Find out if you are suitable for vision correction
Not everyone is eligible for vision correction surgery.
Find out if you could benefit from this life changing surgery by taking the quick self-suitability quiz below:
