Is LASIK recovery painful?

While there may be a little discomfort and light sensitivity following LASIK eye surgery, severe pain is extremely rare and should not be expected. Oftentimes, there is no discomfort beyond the feeling of a little irritation. During LASIK surgery, a flap is created in the topmost layer of the cornea affecting the nerves of the eyes. Although the nerves heal, your body will register soreness and discomfort since the tissue of the eye has been altered through the procedure. The most significant sensations of pain after LASIK eye surgery only last for a couple of hours after the LASIK eye surgery has been performed. After the first hours of surgery, pain or soreness should simply feel like itchiness or irritation and should be quite tolerable.

What should you not do after LASIK eye surgery?

After LASIK eye surgery you should refrain from rubbing your eyes at all costs. Keep the eyes away from allergens, dust, or aerosolized particles. Additionally, keep those eyes away from water (such as pools, saunas, lakes) or makeup as they can present pathogens leading to infections. It was important to protect your eyes in the sun before LASIK, but it is even more crucial after your procedure. Lastly, any trauma can lead to life long issues, so it is important to hold off on any contact sports or high velocity activities until your doctor allows you to resume. We know looking at a computer, your smartphone, and the television can be a huge part of daily life, but you will want to minimize your screen time for 24-48 hours after LASIK eye surgery.

How long will my eyes be blurry after LASIK eye surgery?

Your vision without glasses should be substantially better following LASIK eye surgery. While this is typically the case, immediately after your LASIK eye surgery, your vision will be blurry which will last for two or three hours. Within the next 24 hours, your vision will greatly improve. However, you may still experience blurry vision or vision fluctuations from time to time as you heal. Your eyes are adjusting to the newly reshaped cornea. They need time to get used to functioning in a new way.

How long after LASIK Can I see 20 20?

While treatments are highly customized to your unique eyes, most people achieve a 20/20 vision within the week. While this may not be the case for everyone, consulting with your doctor, understanding any limitations that may exist, and following their plan is paramount to getting the best possible outcome.

Our team at SightMD provides understanding and expertise to help you through your LASIK journey. We will answer your questions about LASIK and your recovery process. We are here for you from the start of your experience all the way until you are fully recovered and seeing clearly–free from glasses or contacts. Contact us today to set up a free consultation.