If you’re preparing for LASIK surgery, or still exploring the procedure, you’re probably wondering what to expect after your treatment.
The first 24 hours after LASIK are the most important for your recovery. What you do (and don’t do) during this time can make a real difference in how quickly and comfortably your eyes heal.
Keep reading to learn exactly what to expect and how to care for your eyes in those first critical hours after having LASIK.
The First Few Hours: Rest and Protect
As soon as you leave the surgery center, your main job is simple: go home and take a doctor-prescribed nap!
Your eyes need time to start healing, and the best thing you can do is keep them closed for at least three to four hours. Taking a nap is ideal. Your body does some of its best healing work while you rest.
You’ll need to wear protective shields when you go to sleep and sunglasses in the daytime. Bright lights will feel uncomfortable at first. At nighttime, the shields help protect your eyes from accidental bumps or rubbing.
Your doctor will give you medicated eye drops to use on a specific schedule. Set reminders on your phone if you need to, because staying on track with these drops helps prevent infection and keeps your eyes comfortable.
Avoid looking at screens during these first few hours. Your phone, computer, and TV can all strain your eyes and slow down the healing process. Give yourself permission to unplug and simply rest!
What Your Vision Will Feel Like
Your vision right after LASIK won’t be perfect, and that’s completely normal. Things will look blurry, hazy, or like you’re seeing through a foggy window. Some people describe it as looking through wax paper. Your vision might also fluctuate throughout the day, clearing up and then getting cloudy again.
You’ll probably notice some physical sensations too. A mild burning feeling, watering eyes, or a gritty sensation (like there’s sand in your eye) are all common in the first 24 hours. Many patients also experience sensitivity to light and see halos or starbursts around bright lights, especially at night. These symptoms usually improve quickly, but they can be unsettling if you’re not expecting them.
Most people start noticing clearer vision within just a few hours, though full healing takes longer. If you experience severe pain, sudden vision loss, or any symptoms that worry you, call Fichte, Endl & Elmer Eyecare right away.
Critical Rules for Day One
The most important rule for your first 24 hours after LASIK is this: do not rub your eyes. Rubbing can dislodge the thin flap of tissue that was created during surgery, which can lead to complications. If your eyes itch or feel irritated, use your prescribed eye drops instead of touching them.
Keep water away from your eyes. That means no showers aimed directly at your face, no swimming pools, and definitely no hot tubs. Water can carry bacteria that might cause an infection while your eyes are healing. When you wash your face, use a damp cloth and carefully avoid your eye area.
Skip the makeup, lotions, and face creams for now. These products can introduce irritants or bacteria to your healing eyes. Also avoid any strenuous exercise or activities that might cause you to sweat heavily or risk getting hit in the face. Save the workout for next week.
When you go to sleep on the night of your surgery, wear the protective eye shields your doctor gave you. These shields prevent you from accidentally rubbing your eyes while you sleep. Finally, don’t skip your follow-up appointment the next day. This visit lets your doctor check that everything is healing properly.
Ready to experience life without glasses? Schedule a LASIK consultation at Fichte, Endl & Elmer Eyecare in Buffalo, NY, today by clicking this link or calling 1-800-309-2020!
