The recovery time varies from one laser eye surgery to another eye surgery. In fact, among all the laser eye surgeries, LASIK is the most common and familiar to the people. Other laser eye surgery procedures are PRK, LASEK, SMILE and others.
Recovery Period After LASIK
Significant improvements are found in just a day or two after the LASIK surgery, by the patients. On an overall, it takes 2 days to 7 days for basic recovery and get back to the regular day to day activities. The total recovery period is dependent on various factors, such as the expertise of the eye surgeon, refractive surgery procedure performed and the intensity of problem or refractive error. Complete recovery takes on an overall takes 6 months duration after the LASIK surgery.
Short Term Recovery
Immediately after LASIK surgery, your vision becomes blurred and one needs to be relaxed. So, you should not drive, right after the surgery and you need somebody to accompany to the LASIK medical centre to drive the car and take you home. Strict instructions are given by your doctor and the same must be followed for the first few hours after the surgery.
Some eye pain and irritation are possible during the short recovery period. It may make you feel to have a small piece of sand in the eyes. Wearing a eye shield or patch may be necessary, as instructed by your doctor, to prevent rubbing the eyes. Wearing it is important, especially during the nights to prevent rubbing the eyes accidentally, while sleeping. For the first few days, the eyes will be blurry and may become very sensitive to the light.
Depending on the kind of LASIK procedure performed, subconjunctival haemorrhage is possible because of the usage of the suction device placed over the eye, while the procedure is performed. This condition is possible to continue for a few weeks and usually fade away in a few days.
Check-up appointment is scheduled usually within a day or two after the surgery. The vision is tested by examining the eyes by your doctor. Medicated eye drops are prescribed to prevent inflammation and infection. Wearing contact lenses is not suggested during this period, though the vision is blurry.
Long-Term Recovery
For LASIK surgery, the complete healing time is usually around 6 months. Vision fluctuations are possible to experience during this long recovery period. Several follow-ups are scheduled to check and monitor the progress and recovery. Most of the patients can recover decent vision in four weeks.