How do I recover from laser vision surgery?

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Video Transcript

How do I recover from laser vision surgery?
Hi, I’m Dr Rylan Hayes, specialist cataract, refractive, and pterygium surgeon here on the Sunshine Coast. LASIK and PRK have very different recovery timelines, so which procedure you’ve had matters here. With LASIK, many people notice dramatically improved vision within the first 48 hours. The recovery is relatively fast, and most patients return to normal activities within a couple of days. Though we do have specific restrictions on swimming and contact sport initially. PRK has a longer surface healing phase because the outer layer of the cornea needs to regenerate, like a graze on your leg. Vision improves more gradually over one to three weeks, occasionally it can be a bit longer still, and you may experience more discomfort in the first few days especially. The end results, however, between LASIK and PRK are equally excellent. For both procedures, use your eye drops exactly as prescribed, avoid rubbing your eyes, and protect them from UV light with sunglasses if you’re outdoors, and avoid swimming and getting them dirty for two weeks. You’ll be scheduled for post-operative reviews, and we don’t clear you to drive until we’ve confirmed your vision is at the required standards. And if you had a license with a glasses clause on it, you’ll have to take that off with the transport department. If you have any concerns during recovery, don’t hesitate to reach out to myself and our team.

How to Recover from Laser Vision Surgery (LASIK and PRK)

Recovery from laser vision correction depends significantly on which procedure you’ve had — LASIK and PRK have meaningfully different recovery profiles. Here’s what to expect from each.

LASIK Recovery

LASIK involves creating a thin corneal flap, treating the underlying tissue with the excimer laser, and repositioning the flap. The flap adheres naturally without sutures.

• First 24 hours: Vision is often noticeably improved within hours, though some blurring and fluctuation is normal. Rest is strongly advised for the first day.
• Days 2–7: Most patients return to light normal activities within 1–2 days. Avoid screens for extended periods early on, as the eyes may dry out more easily.
• Eye drops: Antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops are prescribed and must be used exactly as directed. Lubricating drops are also important for managing post-LASIK dry sensation – which in some people may persist for a number of months afterwards.
• Driving: Do not drive until cleared by the team — usually after your post-operative review the following day confirms adequate visual acuity.

PRK Recovery

PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) removes the outer epithelial layer of the cornea before laser treatment. The epithelium regenerates over the following days, which means the recovery is slower than LASIK.

• Days 1–4: The epithelium is healing and may have some discomfort, glare, burning, or stinging during this time. A bandage contact lens is placed on the eye to protect the surface and improve comfort during this phase. You leave this in 24hours a day until your first checkup.
• Days 3–7: Although comfort is improved at this point, vision may fluctuate as the healing continues. Much like a graze on the skin feels better once healed over, it still has not smoothed out like normal skin yet.
• Weeks 2–4: Vision improves progressively as the corneal surface heals and stabilises.
• Final visual stability: PRK vision typically stabilises over 1–3 months, though higher prescription treatments can even take longer sometimes.

What to avoid for both procedures

• Rubbing your eyes — never rub after laser vision correction; the treated area is vulnerable
• Swimming and water exposure — avoid pools, ocean, dirt and spa baths for at least 2 weeks
• UV exposure — UV protection is essential; wear quality sunglasses whenever outdoors
• Contact sports — avoid for at least 2 weeks
• Eye makeup — avoid in the first week
• Dusty environments — protect against airborne irritants

Post-operative appointments

You will have scheduled reviews with the team at key milestones. Do not miss these appointments — they monitor healing, manage eye drop weaning, and ensure your visual outcome is on track. For our patients from far away, some of these may be organised with your local optometrist.

Key Takeaways

• LASIK recovery is fast — most patients see significant improvement within 24 hours; PRK takes longer as the corneal surface regenerates in the coming weeks
• Post-operative eye drops are essential for both procedures — use them exactly as prescribed
• Never rub your eyes after laser vision correction
• Avoid swimming, dirt, UV exposure, and contact sports during the recovery period

Questions about your laser vision recovery?

Contact The Vision Surgeon or book with Dr Rylan Hayes in Maroochydore.

References

• American Academy of Ophthalmology. Refractive Errors & Refractive Surgery — Preferred Practice Pattern. aao.org
• Schallhorn SC, et al. Wavefront-guided LASIK for myopia: recovery of contrast sensitivity and mesopic visual acuity. Ophthalmology. PMID: 18783839