How Long is LASIK Recovery?

If glasses and contacts are interfering with your busy life, you may be considering ways to limit how much you need them. LASIK is a form of laser eye surgery that provides long-lasting results with minimal recovery time. This procedure offers the chance to reduce or even eliminate your dependence on corrective lenses to see clearly, giving you more freedom. 

What is LASIK Laser Eye Surgery?

LASIK, or Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis, is a procedure that corrects refractive errors like astigmatism, farsightedness, and nearsightedness. Refractive errors occur when light entering the eye does not focus on the retina. As a result, your brain receives a blurry picture. LASIK changes the angle of incoming light so it focuses as it should. 

How Does LASIK Work?

During your LASIK procedure, a computer-guided laser is used to create a flap in the surface of your cornea, the clear structure at the front part of your eye. Your eye surgeon moves the flap and uses the laser to remove microscopic layers of the cornea until it has achieved the desired shape. After reshaping, your cornea bends light so that it falls correctly on the back of the eye for clear vision. The flap is moved back into place, and the edges will start to reattach almost immediately. No sutures are required, and the procedure takes less than five minutes per eye

How Long is LASIK Recovery?

You will usually have some blurriness, irritation, and light sensitivity after LASIK. Most people start to see more clearly after a day or two and can return to work and other activities within a few days. You will receive medicated eye drops, and we will also recommend using artificial tears. Use these as directed to keep your eyes healthy as they heal. 

While you can return to most activities within a few days of LASIK, you should avoid these activities and environments for two weeks:

• Sun exposure without sunglasses
• Dusty or smoky air
• Applying eye makeup and products
• Swimming or getting water in your eyes
• Contact sports

We will provide you with eye shields to wear while sleeping to prevent you from accidentally rubbing or irritating your eyes while you are asleep. You will continue to use artificial tears consistently for at least a month. Attend your scheduled follow-up visits so your eye surgeon can assess your progress. 

Am I a Good Candidate for LASIK?

To determine whether LASIK is the best type of laser eye surgery for you, your eye surgeon will discuss your medical history and examine your eyes. Good candidates for LASIK have healthy eyes and reasonable expectations. We may recommend a different procedure if you have thin corneas, chronic dry eye problems, or engage in contact sports. 

Take the Next Step

If you’d like to learn more about LASIK, schedule a consultation with our Heart of Texas Eye Care team, serving Dripping Springs, Austin, Kyle, Bee Cave, Marble Falls, and other surrounding areas. Contact us at (512) 213-2220 today!

*Individual results may vary