“How long is recovery from LASIK?”

Recovery and healing are two different things. The healing process can take a few weeks however most people go to work the following day, and I have all of my patients wear something over their eyes for at least the first week or two so that they don't inadvertently rub their eye Which can seriously impact the healing process. As far as the vision goes after doing many many many procedures I'm always amazed that patients get off the table and see better immediately. It is not unusual to go from 20/200 Vision all the way to 20/25 vision Within an hour.

The vision recovery from LASIK is remarkably fast. Patients are typically able to drive the next day, use a computer, return to work, use their phone, watch TV, take a shower, even fly. Patients need to be careful for the first week to avoid anything that could move their corneal flap, like getting hit in the eye, rubbing their eyes, and therefore should avoid exercise for 5-7 days. Contact sports like MMA should be avoided for 1 month. Patients should also avoid anything that increases the risk of infection, like wearing eye make-up before 5 days, or swimming before two weeks. Hot tubs should be avoided for 1 month due to the risk of fungal infections. In general, while patients can see immediately after surgery, it is described as hazy, foggy or cloudy, but overwhelmingly patients wake up the next morning and are amazed at their new vision. The crispness, sharpness and clarity of vision improves further over the first month, especially night vision.

LASIK recovery time averages 2-3 months with mostly clear vision occurring by 6 months in time. But this is an estimate and an average and will vary depending upon your age, corneal health issues, eye health issues, and other factors related to you and your eyes specifically. If this refractive surgery procedure is something that you want to pursue, I would make an appointment with an ophthalmologist/refractive surgeon who can fully evaluate you and your eyes, then determine if you are a candidate for any refractive surgery procedure. At this appointment, please come prepared to ask every question that you think is important to you. Many of your questions may be asked and answered on Google. Good luck and best wishes.