LASIK Eye Surgery Recovery
If you’ve been putting off LASIK eye surgery because you think recovery may be lengthy, you may be pleasantly surprised to find out that most patients are able to return to their normal routines (including driving) as soon as the day after surgery.
Since 1992, residents of Southwest Florida have been coming to Elmquist Eye Group for the highest quality eye care. E. Trevor Elmquist, DO and Sarah Eccles-Brown, MD, our skilled ophthalmologists and eye surgeons, and Kate Wagner, OD, partner, and Nina Burt, OD, our experienced optometrists, aim to provide you with the personal attention, care and comfort you deserve.
The Elmquist Team
Dr. Elmquist is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and a fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. For the past four years, he has also been selected as one of America’s Top Doctors in Ophthalmology. Only those doctors who represent the top 1% of doctors in the U.S. are included.
Dr. Eccles-Brown is a board certified eye surgeon whose areas of expertise include LASIK, cataract surgery, eyelid surgery and in-office procedures. She is a member of the American Board of Ophthalmology as well as the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery.
LASIK Recovery FAQs
If you’ve been wearing eyeglasses for a long time and would like to be rid of them, consider that continuous improvements in laser technology and surgical techniques have made LASIK surgery safer and more effective year after year.
The specialists at Elmquist Eye Group have answered some of the most common questions below have about recovery from LASIK surgery:
- Is LASIK recovery painful? You may experience burning, redness, sensitivity to light, and/or the feeling that something is in your eye following your LASIK surgery, but any discomfort should not last more than a few hours. To combat possible temporary eye dryness, your doctor may prescribe artificial teardrops.
- How long will it take to recover from LASIK surgery? Most people are impressed by how well they can see just one day after surgery, although your vision may be a bit blurry or hazy for one to two weeks. You will typically visit your LASIK specialist the next day to ensure that your corneas are healing properly, and again for periodic checkups during the next six months.
- Will I have any restrictions? For the first week, avoid dust, smoke, yard work, eye makeup, swimming in a chlorinated pool or hot tub, and rubbing your eyes to prevent infection or post-op damage. Most patients can return to work within 24-48 hours unless their workplace is especially dirty or dusty. You can usually resume your normal exercise routine after a couple of days.
Is LASIK eye surgery right for you? A thorough eye exam is the best way to find out. The exam typically includes an accurate refraction, corneal thickness measurement and pupil size measurement. Your doctor will discuss your goals and expectations, as well as the risks and benefits of the procedure.
If you are in the Cape Coral or Fort Myers area and have concerns about LASIK eye surgery or recovery time, call Elmquist Eye Group at (239) 936-2020 to schedule an appointment and discuss your questions with our experienced team.