How Long is LASIK Surgery Recovery?

If you opt for LASIK eye surgery in Grand Junction, you may wonder how long it takes to see clearly and whether you have a long recovery period ahead of you. At ICON Eyecare, we like to prepare our patients for what they can expect every step of the way. Fortunately, with LASIK, most patients notice vision improvement within a day. Additionally, most of those who undergo LASIK surgery will have 20/20 vision within a few days after the procedure!

Our team will help you understand the LASIK surgery procedure, do’s and don’ts of recovery, and review the recovery timeline so you can go into the procedure fully informed. Contact us to set up a free consultation with one of our highly experienced eye care specialists in Grand Junction to get the process started.

What Is LASIK?

LASIK eye surgery  can permanently correct your vision if you have nearsightedness, far sightedness or astigmatism. Officially known as laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, LASIK uses lasers specifically designed to modify the cornea, reshaping it to allow near perfect vision. If you wear eyeglasses or contact lenses before the surgery, the idea is that you will no longer need them afterwards. In short, LASIK is a painless, safe and highly accurate way to correct certain refractive errors that impact your vision.

What Is the Recovery Process Like?

There are many factors that come into play regarding your recovery from laser eye surgery. The most common factors include your age, the issue causing your vision impairment, and even lifestyle choices.

Most people see more clearly within one to two days after LASIK eye surgery. If you had more extensive laser eye surgery, it can take up to one month or longer for your eyes to fully recover. During this time, you’ll have to take some precautions to protect your vision. With that being said, you’ll go home immediately after the surgery and many people return to work the next day.

The First 24 Hours

We use a topical anesthesia, so you won’t feel anything during the brief, minimally invasive surgery. You might experience a little discomfort when the anesthesia wears off. Symptoms typically include burning and itching, and your eye surgeon will provide instructions on how to alleviate any pain and discomfort following surgery.

You should rest your eyes the first two to four hours after you return home. Most people wear sunglasses home and take a nap to facilitate the recovery process. Your eye doctor may also recommend eye shields to prevent you from rubbing your eyes while you sleep.

Immediately after the procedure, most patients report some foggy vision. Temporary side effects include dryness and itching. Using eye drops with natural tears can help alleviate the dryness and facilitate healing. In addition, you may notice puffy eyelids, eye redness and sensitivity to light that typically clear up within a week.

While some patients report side effects such as halos around lights during the early days of recovery, this should eventually pass. If you have severe pain, contact our Grand Junction ICON Eyecare clinic immediately.

First Month

You will see your doctor often in the first month after your LASIK eye surgery in Grand Junction. First, you’ll come back one day after the surgery to ensure that your eyes are healing properly.

It’s extremely important to avoid touching or rubbing your eyes in the first week of recovery. We recommend wearing sunglasses or safety glasses during the day and an eye shield at night. This helps ensure that your corneal flap heals properly.

Avoid hot tubs, swimming pools, oceans and rivers until your eye doctor clears you to resume normal activities. Additionally, you should avoid using mascara and eyeliner or applying any creams around your eyes for a week or longer to prevent infections.

Typically, patients return to their regular workout and exercise routines within a week. Just avoid any activities where you might get poked in the eye.

Three-Six Months

Patients with higher levels of nearsightedness take a bit longer to fully heal. However, your surgeon will provide you with a detailed recovery plan to help your eyes heal as quickly as possible.

Recovery Timeline for LASIK Eye Surgery in Grand Junction

Whether it takes a few days or a few weeks to regain perfect eyesight, most patients find that it is worth the wait. Contact us today to set up a consultation with an eye care specialist in Grand Junction.