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How Long Does It Take To Recover From LASIK?
Posted by: Georgia Eye Associates in LASIK
Even though LASIK is a safe procedure, it still requires some time to recover from. During the surgery, your cornea has a flap cut into it. That flap needs time to reattach itself before it is safe to resume a normal life.
A normal LASIK patient takes around three months to complete this recovery time. Some patients can take upwards of six months to a year to fully recover. This is particularly true if they had a severe prescription.
This isn’t to say that you’ll be stuck in bed for months after LASIK, because you won’t! You’ll be able to get back to most of your normal routines after LASIK.
Keep reading for a brief overview of what your recovery will likely look like!
Immediately After LASIK
Many people find that their vision has improved quite a bit after LASIK. But this does not mean it will be safe to drive yourself home.
You should have someone who can drive you home after you’re cleared following LASIK. During this time, your numbing eye drops will wear off.
It may be tempting to rub your eyes, especially since they will begin to itch and burn slightly. It is extremely important that you do not rub your eyes at any point during recovery!
Rubbing your eyes could cause the healing flap to become torn. That can lead to serious vision complications after LASIK.
Make sure to wear the eye shields you are given when napping, which you will likely want to do once you get home. Get plenty of rest to assist in the healing process.
You can engage in reading or watching television, but keep your activity light. You will have a follow-up appointment scheduled within 48 hours. This is to make sure everything is as it should be after LASIK.
The Next Few Weeks
If you have a laid back job, you will likely be able to return to work within a few days of the procedure. If you work in construction or something else, you might need to wait longer.
Even so much as bending over can put enough strain on your eyes to cause complications at this point. This means that any heavy lifting needs to be completely avoided.
Keep your eyes hydrated with eye drops. Use them often, even if your eyes are not itchy. You should be aiming for about 4 applications a day.
You should also wear sunglasses that are UV protected outdoors. This will help with any light sensitivity as well as protect your eyes from sunlight.
You will need to avoid exercise, sports, or anything else that causes any eye strain. You’ll need to do this for several weeks.
You may even need to stop wearing makeup for a short time, as it can cause infections. If you must wear makeup, wait at least a week after LASIK and buy new makeup.
The End of Recovery
By the time you have recovered, three to six months will have passed. It could take up to a year before your vision has fully stabilized. By this point, you’ll be seeing clearly in a way that you never have before.
Want to find out if you could be a LASIK candidate? Schedule a LASIK consultation at Georgia Eye Associates in Atlanta, GA today!
Tags: LASIK, LASIK Eye Surgery, LASIK Recovery
