LASIK surgery is one of the most popular forms of vision correction. Most people who undergo the procedure say it was one of the best decisions they ever made for improving their quality of life. Most patients report being able to perform their jobs and hobbies without being fully dependent on glasses and contact lenses.
When people look in to LASIK eye surgery, they have many questions, especially around recovery time and procedures. Our Denver LASIK institute is committed to helping you make well-informed decisions, so that you and your family can make the best choices with confidence and peace of mind.
Recovery can vary from person to person, however most people see 20/20 by the next morning after their LASIK procedure. Although the patient’s vision is usually very good, that does not mean that healing is complete. It is common for healing to go on for weeks to months after the procedure.
During this healing period, most patients can go about their usual work and recreational activities. After a LASIK procedure there is customarily 3-4 follow-up visits over the first year.
What to Expect Immediately After LASIK
Many people are excited to find out how much their vision has improved within minutes after the surgery. Some people may experience some discomfort that evening. Some people find that their eyes feel irritated and water for several hours until they can get home and sleep for several hours.
It’s essential that during this initial recovery period that the patient doesn’t rub their eyes. The doctor will recommend wearing sunglasses for daytime activities and special goggles for sleeping for the first few days to a week after surgery. This reduces the risk of rubbing the eyes right after the procedure.
It’s important that patients follow the doctor’s advice on protecting the eyes after LASIK – even though the eyes tend to feel fine the first couple days after surgery. It’s important for patients to revisit the office the next day after the surgery to make sure that healing is going as planned. Most patients report that they feel comfortable to return to work, driving and activities the very next day after the procedure.
Long-Term Healing
Side effects from LASIK (such as dry eyes or halos at night) usually go away once healing is complete, but it’s not unusual for them to last for several weeks after surgery. During this time period, patients will have several check-ups with their LASIK surgeon to ensure that the recovery is proceeding smoothly.
Our patients at 20/20 Institute almost invariably tell us that the entire process was easy and that they cannot believe they waited so long to proceed. The vast majority of patients love their new 20/20 outlook on life!
