Have you had your LASIK consultation and found out you qualify for the procedure? It may seem like all you need to do is prepare for the procedure but there’s a little more to it.
You get LASIK and then you can go on with your life, right? Not exactly. Since LASIK is a surgical procedure, there is a recovery period that goes along with it.
Your eyes may take some time to fully recover after having LASIK. A safe recovery is vital to protecting your eyes and eyesight.
Be sure to have a clear understanding with your eye doctor about what you need to do. Keep reading for an outline of what a typical LASIK recovery timeline should look like!
As soon as your surgeon finishes the LASIK procedure, you are in recovery. You will likely notice vision improvement, but this does not mean your vision is “good” yet.
You will experience some blurriness for a while, but it should clear up rather quickly. You will be left to rest in the office for a brief period of time to rest before you can go home.
You should have set up a ride before coming in for LASIK, as you will not be able to drive yourself home.
You will be given eye shields to wear when you sleep for the first few days. It is normal to feel tired when you get home after LASIK.
In fact, one of the best things you can do when you get home is to take a nap! It will help you start your LASIK recovery off on the right foot!
Sleep is very important to jumpstart the healing process. Be sure the eye shields are secure, so you do not roll over or rub your eye while you sleep.
Your corneas will be in their most fragile state immediately after LASIK. Any physical contact could cause complications.
The next day, your vision should have cleared enough for you to drive. You will have a follow-up appointment within 48 hours of the procedure.
This will determine where you are in the primary stages of the LASIK recovery timeline. This and any other check-ups are very important to go to.
If any problems should arise while you are recuperating, it’s better to catch them early. This ensures that they get caught before they can get out of hand.
During the first 2 to 4 weeks, you will need to be on guard against potential hazards to your vision. This means no swimming or bathing.
Showers are fine, but be careful not to get water or soap in your eyes. You should avoid any contact sports, as well as any heavy lifting, as it can cause too much pressure in your eyes.
Even bending at the waist can have negative impacts on your LASIK recovery, so be careful. You will be able to slowly add in more and more of your daily routine as time goes on.
Full recovery after LASIK eye surgery can take as little as 3 months or as long as 6 months. This number greatly varies from person to person.
By the end, your vision will be functioning close to 100%. You may still need to be extra careful with your eyes until your doctor has cleared you.
Think that LASIK sounds like the right procedure for you? Schedule a free LASIK consultation at Washington Eye Physicians & Surgeons in Chevy Chase, MD today!
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The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider.
