How Long is Laser Eye Surgery Recovery?

Dr. Tylock: Pioneer of LASIK Surgery and Recovery

Prospective patients often wonder about the length of laser eye surgery recovery. LASIK is the most popular vision correction procedure performed today, and millions of people have benefited from this surgery, which promises almost immediate results with minimal pain.  In no time, you’ll be back to your normal lifestyle, glasses and contact free!

The procedure itself is performed with only the administration of a mild oral sedative and numbing eye drops and takes about five to ten minutes. A corneal flap is created, and then the vision is corrected using lasers. There are no stitches or adhesive used after the procedure, as the cornea will naturally re-adhere to the eye. Once the procedure is complete, the patient sits for twenty to thirty minutes with eyes closed. Then, after the eyes are checked one more time, it is time to go home and take a nap. The doctor may give the patient a sleep aid because it is a good idea to keep the eyes closed for the first few hours.

Vision is blurry immediately after the procedure, and many patients report feeling some burning or discomfort that feels like grit in the eye. This can be managed with over the counter pain medication and is usually gone within twenty-four hours. The blurred vision will disappear in that length of time as well, and most patients have dramatic improvement by the next day. Most people feel competent to drive to their follow up the next day! Vision will fluctuate for a while but is highly functional within 24 hours. It will not be completely stable until three to six months post-surgery.

LASIK offers the promise of freedom from dependence on glasses or contact lenses, sometimes completely, in a relatively short period of time. It is important to choose an experienced surgeon who can answer all your questions and guide you through the process. With over twenty years of experience, Dr. Tylock is a pioneer of LASIK surgery and the choice of over eleven thousand people as their LASIK surgeon.