One of the best investments you will ever make is LASIK laser vision correction surgery. LASIK was developed for those who suffer from nearsightedness (myopia), far-sightedness (hyperopia), or astigmatism, the three most common types of refractive error. After LASIK, patients are freed from their glasses and contacts, which is just priceless! Patients frequently ask us about the recovery period after LASIK surgery before making the decision to undergo the procedure. We will go through what to anticipate during your LASIK eye surgery recovery in this article and respond to some of the questions Brusco Vision receives frequently.
Brusco Vision is the top facility for vision repair in Washington, D.C., and the DMV. We are looking forward to meeting you and will be happy to address any of your concerns about LASIK and the recovery period. To arrange your LASIK consultation and begin your path to visual independence and freedom from glasses or contacts, contact our office right away.
How much time does LASIK recovery take?
The rapid recovery from LASIK surgery is only one of its many wonderful features. The actual treatment only requires about 15 minutes to complete for both eyes. Even though the actual procedure is short, you should plan to stay in our clinic for about an hour on the day of your LASIK treatment at Brusco Vision. Before performing your LASIK treatment, we confirm our measurements by conducting some of the same tests that were done during your initial detailed consultation.
The actual LASIK surgery is painless. A soft eyelid holder will support your eyelids, so you won’t have to worry about blinking during the procedure. Numbing eye drops will be placed in your eyes before the procedure begins. The actual laser therapy with the excimer and femtosecond lasers only takes a few seconds for each eye. Your eyes will be checked by the eye doctor to ensure everything appears flawless while you recover in our recovery room for a short time. You will receive post-operative instructions and eye drops, as well as any medication your surgeon, Dr. Brusco, may prescribe. It is important to bring someone with you to your procedure so that they can drive you home.
The typical recovery period following LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) surgery is six to twelve hours. This varies from patient to patient and depends on a number of variables, such as the level of inflammation. Most LASIK patients see a considerable improvement in their visual acuity shortly after their treatment, while some may need a few days. It is common to suffer periodic blurry vision, glare, halos, and fluctuating vision during the first week or two following LASIK. With time and the application of post-operative eye drops, everything becomes clearer and better.
After your LASIK operation, you’ll start to feel better right away, and your eyes will start to heal immediately after the surgery is finished. With that being said, stability of vision often takes a few weeks after LASIK. We will keep an eye on your recovery at your follow-up appointments at Brusco Vision and give you a better idea of your individual recovery timeline.
More FAQ’s about LASIK Recovery
Will I experience pain while recovering from LASIK?
Your LASIK treatment causes no discomfort. The eyes will feel irritated and possibly burn for the first few hours following your LASIK surgery, but you will not experience severe pain. The irritation immediately goes away, and by that evening, the eyes feel completely normal again. For the first few days, it is common to have mildly dry, irritated, or itchy eyes, but severe pain shouldn’t be felt. Your eye surgeon will administer eye drops to you to reduce any discomfort and hasten the healing process.
Can I return to driving after LASIK?
Patients frequently feel at ease behind the wheel the day following their procedure since LASIK’s visual recovery is so quick. Everyone recovers at a different pace, so you should follow your doctor’s instructions on whether or not to drive the day after your procedure.
At your follow-up appointment the day after your surgery, your eye doctor will give you the all-clear to drive if your eyesight has improved and you are recuperating as planned. To remove any limitations on your ability to drive without the use of glasses or contact lenses, the majority of state DMVs will require a signed form from you.
Will I have 20/20 vision immediately after my LASIK procedure?
The duration of recovery from LASIK can vary from person to person, as all eyes heal differently. But most patients have 20/20 vision (or better) by the following day. Despite the fact that visual perception is frequently extremely good, this does not mean the healing process is finished, and patients should continue to adhere carefully to their doctor’s instructions.
What should I avoid while recovering from LASIK?
Patients must take precautions to ensure a pain-free healing process even though laser vision correction on the human eye is a short, painless procedure with a quick recovery period. Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes while they are recovering after LASIK. Patients should refrain from using hot tubs, swimming, and other water activities for at least a week following surgery to help reduce the risk of infection. While it’s understandable that patients want to return to their normal routine and continue their daily activities with clear vision, it’s crucial to give your eyes adequate time to heal.
For the first 24 hours after your LASIK procedure, try to restrict your screen time on your phone and computer. The use of screens might cause your eyes to develop dry eye syndrome and prolong healing. Your eyes will be able to rest and heal if you limit your screen time.
For a few days after the treatment, LASIK patients shouldn’t wear eye makeup. Your LASIK surgeon will go over the recommended post-operative care schedule with you at your consultation. To guarantee a smooth, trouble-free recovery for your eyes, stick to your LASIK surgeon’s instructions.
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What should I do the first 24 hours after my LASIK procedure?
You should rest for the first 12 hours after your laser eye surgery, advises Dr. Brusco, a highly skilled LASIK eye surgeon. Patients who have had LASIK should refrain from reading, using computers, engaging in strenuous activity, and watching television during this time. Because you will be light sensitive following your LASIK procedure, it is beneficial to wear sunglasses outside. Protecting your eyes will keep you comfortable and hasten the LASIK recovery time.
It is best not to take a shower the night of your surgery. The day after surgery, you can safely take a shower while being careful not to get soap in your eyes to prevent irritation.
Take all prescription medications, artificial tears, and lubricating eye drops your doctor recommends. These will accelerate the recovery process. Even though there is a very low chance of eye infection after LASIK, the prescription eye drops you will use contain an antibiotic to lower that possibility. The best advice is to take it easy and relax during the first 24 hours after your procedure.
Is there anything I can do to speed up the healing process after LASIK eye surgery?
After LASIK vision correction treatments, patients are happy to have clear vision and are eager to get back to their usual life. Make use of the following LASIK eye surgery recovery time advice to speed your recovery and avoid any setbacks:
- On the first day, limit your screen time.
- Do not touch your eyes, and avoid rubbing your eyes.
- Rest as much as possible on the first day.
- If needed, you can go back to work the next day.
- Adhere to the instructions on any eye drops given by your doctor.
- Avoid using lotion, cosmetics, or makeup for two to three days.
- Always wear sunglasses outside as you recover from LASIK.
- Abstain from contact sports, the hot tub, and swimming for a week.
- Follow your LASIK surgeon’s guidelines.
When can you wash your hair after LASIK?
The next day after laser eye surgery, you can wash your hair. When taking a shower or washing your hair, you should take extra precautions to prevent getting soap in your eyes, especially in the first week following LASIK surgery.
How long should you sleep with eye shields after LASIK?
The Food and Drug Administration has approved LASIK procedures in two steps. In the first step, Dr. Brusco utilizes a femtosecond laser to create a corneal flap, which is then lifted. In the second step of LASIK, the cornea is reshaped using a different laser to correct vision. The procedure is then finished by carefully resealing this flap.
The corneal flap must not be disturbed for the first week. It is very secure after 48–72 hours, but if you apply too much pressure to the eye in one area, particularly in the first 72 hours, you could possibly move the flap’s edge. To assist in preventing this issue, we encourage patients to wear eye protection at night. We advise utilizing eye shields while you sleep at night or taking naps for the first several days following your LASIK procedure. Patients should also use extreme caution while rubbing their eyes to avoid putting pressure on the eye and instead use a clean tissue to avoid doing so.
When can you wash your face after LASIK?
In general, washing your face after getting LASIK is safe. Avoid getting soap in your eyes, just as when you’re taking a shower. Take your time when washing your face, rinsing it off slowly, and avoid rubbing your eyes. When it’s time to dry your face, dab the skin with a towel gently, being careful not to rub your eyes.
Why choose Brusco Vision for my LASIK procedure?
To carefully guide you through the process of LASIK vision correction surgery, Dr. Brusco has put together a skilled team of the most compassionate, understanding, and well-trained professionals in the business. This team, along with our state-of-the-art technology, offers a customized experience in a welcoming and comfortable setting. In order to provide each patient with the best possible care, Brusco Vision is unwavering in its commitment to improving its results over time.
Instead of leading people down the path of a single refractive operation, we try to tailor each patient’s situation and choose the optimal procedure for their unique needs and preferences. At your initial consultation, we will perform a thorough evaluation of your eyes and determine if you are a good LASIK candidate or are better suited for one of our LASIK alternatives. We genuinely believe that this strategy results in better outcomes and overall happier patients. For more information or to schedule your consultation, call Brusco Vision today. We look forward to meeting you soon!
