The good news? LASIK surgery has up to a 99% success rate according to studies cited by the Refractive Surgery Council. And most people notice improved vision within a day of the procedure.
Better yet, a few simple precautions can make recovery more comfortable. From using prescribed eye drops to knowing when you can return to work, exercise, and your usual routine, understanding what to expect helps you protect your results.
Our award-winning team of specialists at Marano Eye Care, a division of Ophthalmology New Jersey, has the medical expertise you need to ensure success for complex surgeries like LASIK. We’re also committed to enlisting your informed involvement in aftercare.
Here’s how to support healing, minimize irritation, and give your eyes the best possible start after LASIK.
One of LASIK's biggest advantages is its relatively short recovery period. Many patients experience clearer vision within 24 hours. However, temporary blurriness, light sensitivity, watery eyes, or a gritty sensation are common early on, and vision can fluctuate slightly as your eyes heal.
Your surgeon provides specific expectations and instructions based on your procedure and individual needs. Following that guidance is the foundation of a smooth LASIK recovery.
Eye drops can play an important role in protecting your eyes after LASIK. Your surgeon may prescribe antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops to reduce infection risk and control inflammation.
Use each medication exactly as directed, even if your eyes feel comfortable. If you’re unsure about the timing or order of your drops, ask your surgical team rather than guessing.
Preservative-free artificial tears may help with dryness, especially if you need frequent lubrication, but only if your surgeon recommends them.
Avoid rubbing your eyes when they feel dry or itchy. Rubbing can interfere with healing and potentially displace the corneal flap.
Your eyes may feel better surprisingly quickly, but that doesn't mean they're fully healed. Take extra care, especially during the first several days.
Wear any protective eye shields provided by your surgeon, particularly while sleeping, for as long as instructed. They help prevent accidental rubbing or pressure on your eyes.
Keep water, soap, shampoo, and other potential irritants out of your eyes, and avoid dusty or smoky environments when possible.
Sunglasses can make bright outdoor conditions more comfortable and help reduce light sensitivity. Otherwise, follow your surgeon's instructions for protecting your eyes outdoors.
Rest on the day of surgery and give yourself time to adjust before resuming normal activities. Many people return to desk work within a day or two, depending on their vision, comfort, and job requirements.
Light walking is often acceptable soon after surgery, but you may need to wait on strenuous exercise, swimming, contact sports, and activities that expose your eyes to dirt or impact. Your surgeon will tell you when it’s safe to resume them.
Avoid eye makeup until your surgeon says you can use it again. Don't drive until your vision meets legal requirements and your surgeon confirms it’s safe.
Even when your vision seems excellent, follow-up visits matter. Your Marano Eye Care surgeon checks how your eyes are healing, evaluates your vision, and looks for signs of complications or persistent dryness.
Between visits, seek prompt medical attention if you develop severe or worsening eye pain, a sudden decline in vision, increasing redness, or symptoms that seem to be getting worse rather than better. These changes should not be dismissed as routine recovery.
With the right care and realistic expectations, you can support healing and enjoy clearer vision with greater confidence.
Interested in LASIK? Schedule a visit at New Jersey’s award-winning Marano Eye Care in Denville, Livingston, or Newark today.
