How Long Does It Take to Get Good Vision After LASIK? Complete Recovery Timeline
How Long Does It Take to Get Good Vision After LASIK?
One of the most frequently asked questions by potential candidates of LASIK surgery is, “How soon will I be able to see clearly?” To answer this, it is important to understand that LASIK involves creating a partial-thickness corneal flap and using an excimer laser to reshape the cornea for correcting the vision problems. Thus, this procedure requires adequate healing time for full recovery. The majority of the people start noticing clearer vision within 24 to 48 hours of the surgery.
Immediately after LASIK surgery, there are different symptoms that can be experienced by patients. These include:
- Sensitivity to light
- Discharge of water from eyes
- Mild sensation of burning
- Feelings of itching
- Dryness in eyes
By the end of the first week, most patients report significant clarity in both near and distance vision along with reduction in sensitivity to light and dryness in the eyes. In addition to this, they also report improvement in contrast and colour perception. However, it is important to understand that such vision improvements vary from patient to patient and full healing requires more time.
LASIK Vision Recovery Timeline – Week by Week Breakdown
While LASIK is known for quick results, it’s normal for patients to experience some fluctuations as the eyes heal properly. Here is what one can expect at different stages of the recovery process:
Week 1: Immediately after LASIK
- Just after LASIK, patients begin to recover from the flap creation and reshaping of the lens. It is common for people to experience blurry or foggy vision immediately after the surgery. Mild discomfort, dryness in the eyes, and a sensation to keep the eyes closed may also be present, which improve within 24 to 48 hours.
- During this period, doctors prescribe antibiotic, steroid, or lubricating eye drops to avoid dry eyes.
- Along with this, it is recommended to avoid the use of gadgets and wear protective eye shields even while resting to prevent accidental rubbing or application of pressure to the eyes.
- Doctors also recommend avoiding the application of make-up around the eyes.
- As the eyes are sensitive to light, it is mandatory to protect them from UV rays and bright light to avoid damage to the corneal lining.
Week 2 to Week 4
- This is regarded as the vision stabilisation phase, where vision becomes stable and consistent. Symptoms of light sensitivity or halos usually improve around this time.
- In this phase, clearer reading and distance vision improvement is expected. It is also marked by reduced reliance on eye drops and a return to daily activities such as light exercises and limited use of gadgets.
- It is recommended to protect the eyes from UV rays, dust particles, and strong winds every time the patient steps outside to avoid any interference with the attachment of the flap.
- LASIK patients are also vulnerable to bacterial infections. That is why it is recommended to avoid areas of high risk of bacterial infection such as swimming pools or hot tubs.
Month 1 to 3
- This is the phase where patients enjoy the full benefits of LASIK with clear and consistent vision. For the majority of people, symptoms of inconvenience such as dryness, light sensitivity, blurry vision, and halos fade away during this time.
- Patients can indulge themselves in regular activities such as travel or sports. Those with higher prescriptions or dry eyes may require a longer time for stabilisation.
Factors That Affect How Long It Takes to Get Good Vision After LASIK
Eye conditions play a huge role in how eyes will respond after LASIK.
- People with high prescriptions, that is, extreme cases of myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism, usually require longer periods for stabilisation as healing of the cornea takes time.
- People with a history of dry eyes also require longer stabilisation time.
- Individuals with thin corneas often experience post-op discomfort and require time to heal after LASIK.
- People with certain medical conditions or autoimmune disorders also take longer healing time.
Traditional LASIK involves the use of a blade to create a corneal flap, leading to healing periods which are slightly longer along with certain irregularities. On the other hand, Femto-LASIK or bladeless LASIK helps in the creation of a precise flap, helping in reducing complications and elevating healing.
Long-term LASIK aftercare includes various precautionary measures to help stabilize vision and maintain overall eye health:
- Even if your vision feels perfect, it is crucial to attend regular check-ups to detect any issues early. Such visits help your surgeon evaluate your progress and keep a check on any potential complications.
- Lubricating your eyes with eye drops prevents post-LASIK dryness while the corneal tissue heals. It also helps in reducing swelling, inflammation, and redness post-surgery. Antibacterial eye drops help ensure there is no bacterial growth in the eyes.
- A diet rich in vitamins, minerals, omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, and zeaxanthin, commonly found in foods such as carrots, spinach, green leafy vegetables, walnuts, and flaxseeds, is essential for supporting corneal health and speeding up healing.
- To avoid issues of corneal haze and regression, protecting your eyes from UV damage is necessary.
- As LASIK temporarily decreases the production of tears, it can lead to dry eyes. Adequate hydration helps stabilize the tear film, providing essential lubrication to the eyes.
When to Contact Your Eye Doctor During LASIK Recovery
There are several signs which could indicate that vision improvement is not as per expectation. It is crucial to keep an eye on such signs and consult an ophthalmologist as soon as possible. These signs may include:
- Not being able to see clearly at night after several weeks of LASIK surgery
- Facing troubles of vision distortion, such as blurry vision, double vision, or halos
- Facing persistent problems of foggy vision after a week of surgery
- Facing issues of painful dryness, even with the use of drops
Typically, regular follow-up appointments are scheduled immediately after the surgery, followed by follow-ups at specific time intervals to assess the progress and monitor the clarity of vision. The intent of follow-ups is also to detect any late-developing issues and rectify them as early as possible.
How Long Does It Take to Get Good Vision After LASIK – Final Takeaway
LASIK surgery is a revolutionary step toward a long-term and permanent solution for people with vision problems. Along with the surgery, it is crucial to follow various precautions after LASIK surgery, as the journey to optimal results doesn’t end in the operating room. Proper care, as highlighted in this guide, includes rest, protective eyewear, and adherence to prescribed eye drops.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
How long does it take to see clearly after LASIK?
Usually, the majority of the patients notice improvement in vision within 24 to 48 hours of the LASIK procedure. However, it can take up to certain weeks for the vision to become sharper.
Is it normal for vision to fluctuate after LASIK?
Yes, many people experience mild fluctuations in vision right after LASIK surgery. It is crucial to follow post-LASIK measures to enhance the healing process.
Can good vision after LASIK take longer for some people?
Factors such as age, strength of prescription, thickness of the corneal layer, and eye conditions affect healing ability in different people. That is why constant monitoring of progress in follow-up visits is required.
When is the best vision achieved after LASIK surgery?
Almost all patients reach their optimal vision within 1 to 3 months after the LASIK operation. This timeframe justifies the completion of healing and adaptation of the eyes after the procedure.
Why is my vision still blurry a week after LASIK?
It is common for some people to experience symptoms of dry eyes, blurry vision, and minor inflammation accompanied by light sensitivity right after LASIK surgery. Post-operative measures along with tracking the progress are crucial steps in recovery.
