LASIK laser vision correction surgery is one of the best investments you will ever make. LASIK was created for people with nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), or astigmatism. The freedom from glasses and contacts that patients experience after LASIK is simply priceless! When deciding to have LASIK surgery, patients often ask what the recovery process is like following the procedure. In this article, we will discuss what to expect during your LASIK eye surgery recovery and answer some of the questions we are frequently asked at Waite Vision.
Waite Vision is the premier vision correction center in Utah. We are located in Lehi, just south of Salt Lake City. We are excited to meet you and answer all of your questions regarding LASIK and the healing process. Call our office today to schedule your LASIK consultation and start your journey to visual freedom.
How long does it take to recover from LASIK?
One of the many fantastic things about LASIK is its quick recovery. The procedure itself only takes about 15 minutes for both eyes. It is helpful to have a friend or family member drive you home. On the day of your LASIK procedure at Waite Vision, plan to be in our office for about an hour. We repeat some of the same tests performed during your initial thorough consultation to double-check our measurements prior to your LASIK procedure.
The procedure itself is painless. You will be given numbing eye drops, and a soft eyelid holder will offer your eyelids support so you won’t have to worry about blinking. The actual treatment from the femtosecond and the excimer lasers only take a few seconds per eye. After the procedure, you will rest in our recovery room for a few minutes, after which the doctor checks your eyes to make sure everything looks perfect. We will provide you with post-operative eye drop medications and post-operative instructions as well.
LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) surgery normally requires six to twelve hours of healing time. This differs from patient to patient and is influenced by a variety of factors, including the degree of inflammation you may experience. Most LASIK patients experience significantly improved visual acuity within hours of their procedure, while some may require a few days. During the first week or two after LASIK, it is completely normal to experience intermittent blurry vision, glare, halos, and fluctuating vision. This all resolves with time and use of the post-operative eye drops.
You will notice improvement immediately after your LASIK procedure, and your eyes will start to heal as soon as the surgical procedure is finished. However, stabilization of the vision following LASIK usually takes four to six weeks. At your follow-up appointments at Waite Vision, we will monitor your recovery and give you a better sense of your individual recovery timeline.
More FAQ’s about LASIK Recovery Salt Lake City
How should I spend my first 24 hours following LASIK?
According to Dr. Waite, a very experienced LASIK eye surgeon, you should use the first 12 hours following your laser eye surgery to rest. During this period, LASIK patients should limit reading, using computers, exercising vigorously, and watching television. Wearing sunglasses outside is helpful since you will be light-sensitive after your LASIK surgery. As you recover from LASIK, protecting your eyes will keep you comfortable and speed up the healing process.
Avoid taking a shower the evening of your procedure. You can safely shower the day following the procedure. For the first few days, be careful not to get soap in your eyes to avoid irritation.
Any prescription medication, artificial tears, or lubricating eye drops your doctor suggests should be taken as directed. These will speed the healing process. Although the risk for infection is exceedingly rare after LASIK, the prescription eye drops you will use include an antibiotic to reduce the risk of infection.
Does LASIK recovery hurt?
There is no discomfort during your LASIK procedure. For the first few hours after your LASIK procedure, the eyes will feel irritated and may burn. This discomfort resolves quickly, and the eyes feel almost back to normal by that evening. It is typical to have mildly itchy, dry, or irritated eyes for the first few days, but you shouldn’t experience pain. You will be given eye drops by your eye surgeon to ease any discomfort and accelerate the recovery process.
What should you not do while recovering from LASIK?
Although laser vision correction on the human eye is a short, painless procedure with a quick recovery time, patients must take steps to guarantee a smooth healing process. Do not rub or touch your eyes during the healing process following LASIK. To help prevent infection, patients should avoid swimming, hot tubs, and other bodies of water for at least one week after their surgery. We understand patients are eager to get back to a normal routine and resume their regular activities with clear vision, but it’s essential to give your eyes enough time to recover.
Try to limit your phone and computer screens for the first 24 hours following your LASIK treatment. Screen use can induce dryness. Limiting screen time will allow your eyes to recuperate.
Following the procedure, LASIK patients shouldn’t wear eye makeup for a few days. At your LASIK consultation, your LASIK surgeon will go over the LASIK recovery time guidelines. Follow your LASIK doctor’s instructions to ensure a quick, problem-free recovery for your eyes.
When can I drive after LASIK?
Since the vision recovery after LASIK is so rapid, patients often feel comfortable driving the day after their procedure. Everyone’s recovery time is different, and you should follow your doctor’s advice in regard to driving the day after your procedure. If your vision is improved and you are healing as expected, your eye doctor will release you to drive at your follow-up appointment the day after your surgery. Most state DMVs will require a signed form from you in order to remove any restrictions to drive without the need for glasses or contact lenses from your driver’s license.
How long after LASIK does it take to have 20/20 vision?
Recovery timeframes can differ from person to person. However, most LASIK patients see 20/20 (or better) by the next day. Although visual perception is frequently very good, this does not mean the healing process is complete, and patients should continue to carefully follow their doctor’s instructions.
What things can I do to accelerate my recovery process following LASIK?
Patients who have undergone LASIK vision correction procedures are thrilled to have clear eyesight and are anxious to resume their regular lives. You may expedite your healing from LASIK and prevent any setbacks by using these tips for LASIK recovery:
-Limit your screen time for the first day.
-Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes.
-Rest for the first day.
-You can return to work the next day if needed.
-Follow the directions provided for any eye drops.
-Hold off on using make-up, lotion, or cosmetics for two to three days.
-Wear sunglasses while outdoors.
-Skip the hot tub, swimming, and contact sports for one week.
-Stick to your LASIK surgeon’s instructions
When can you wash your hair after LASIK?
You can wash your hair the day after laser eye surgery. You should take additional care to avoid getting soap in your eyes when taking a shower or washing your hair, especially during the first week after LASIK surgery.
When can you wash your face after LASIK eye surgery?
Generally speaking, it is safe to wash your face after having LASIK. Just like when you take a shower, you should refrain from getting soap in your eyes. When using face wash, take your time and rinse it off slowly, being careful not to rub your eyes. When it’s time to dry your face, gently dab your skin with a towel without rubbing your eyes.
Experience Waite Vision
At Waite Vision, we have assembled the most skilled staff for eyesight correction you will find. Our team is compassionate, considerate, and knowledgeable, and our goal is to use vision correction to enhance your quality of life and help you find freedom from glasses and contact lenses. From your initial consultation to your follow-up care, our team is dedicated to you. Waite Vision was developed with you in mind, and we are pleased to be redefining vision correction in Utah. Call our office today to schedule our LASIK eye examination and be on your way to seeing clearly without glasses or contacts.
