A full LASIK post-surgery activity timeline: When can you get back to doing your daily activities?
So you’re considering LASIK surgery. Congratulations! It’s a big decision, but you won’t regret it! Over 20 million people in the United States have had LASIK surgery, and the success rate is over 96%. In other words, there’s a very good chance that you’ll be thrilled with your new vision after the surgery. But what can you expect immediately after the surgery? And what activities will you be able to do as you recover? Here’s a full timeline of what to expect after your LASIK surgery.
The day after surgery:
You will likely experience some discomfort and light sensitivity immediately following the surgery. Your doctor will likely prescribe you some sort of pain medication to help ease any discomfort. You should also avoid any strenuous activity or rubbing your eyes for at least 24 hours after the surgery.
Driving is not recommended until at least 24 hours post-surgery when the medicine has worn off and there’s less risk of discomfort or glare.
Days two through four:
A majority of people report that their vision is significantly improved by day two or three. But it’s important to take things slow; even though your eyes may feel better, they’re still healing.
You should be able to go back to work, but make sure you take your eye drops with you as staring at a computer can dry them out.
Avoid strenuous activity and spending too much time staring at screens. Continue using those lubricating drops to keep your eyes moist and comfortable.
One week after LASIK:
At this point, most people are feeling pretty great. Your vision should be crisp and clear, and you should be able to return to most of your usual activities without any problems. In fact, many people say that they have even better vision than they did before surgery!
Be sure to avoid any contact sports until one month after your LASIK surgery.
LASIK surgery is a big decision, but it’s also a hugely successful one. Over 96% of people who have the surgery end up with greatly improved vision. And while every recovery is different, most people report excellent vision within just a few days of the surgery itself. So if you’re thinking about getting LASIK, rest assured that you’ll be back to your normal routine in no time!
Book a free assessment with us and find out if you’re a suitable candidate!
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Dr. Bennett Chotiner
M.D., F.A.C.S.
MEDICAL DIRECTOR, GENERAL OPHTHALMOLOGY, CATARACT & REFRACTIVE SURGERY, LASIK SURGERY
Dr. Bennett Chotiner is the founder and medical director of Memorial Eye Institute. A noted innovator, in 1977 he established his clinical practice, the Pennsylvania Eye Associates. In 1984, he established the Pennsylvania Eye Surgery Center, Pennsylvania’s first …
Dr. Erik A Chotiner
M.D., F.A.C.S.
GENERAL OPHTHALMOLOGY, CATARACT & REFRACTIVE SURGERY, LASIK SURGERY
Erik Chotiner, M.D. diagnoses and treats a wide range of medical eye conditions. He is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Franklin and Marshall College. Dr. Chotiner attended Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia where he received multiple awards including the Physiology Prize for …