Most patients experience a significant improvement in their vision within 24 hours after undergoing LASIK eye surgery. However, some may take up to five days to recover. In the short term, you can expect to see an increase in clarity as soon as 4 to 5 hours after the procedure. After resting your eyes for a day or two, you can resume your normal activities with improved vision.
The results of LASIK surgery are permanent, but your eyes can change over time. This means that the more detailed the measurements taken before the procedure, the more precise the eye doctor will be in removing the corneal tissue. During the surgery, the eye surgeon will use a small blade or laser to create a hinged flap of tissue in the eye. This flap is then separated from the front of the eye and stabilized with an eyelid speculum.
In eyes with normal vision, the cornea deflects light precisely onto the retina at the back of the eye. LASIK surgery is performed with a laser programmed to remove a defined amount of tissue from this part of the eye. After undergoing LASIK, developing cataracts can affect your vision clarity and require additional vision correction. Your eye doctor will discuss with you whether LASIK or another similar refractive procedure is an option that works for you.
It will take two to three months after surgery before your eyes heal and your vision stabilizes. If you have very dry eyes, you may choose another procedure to place special plugs in your tear ducts to prevent tears from draining from your eyes. The best way to understand how LASIK could improve your vision and what results you can expect is to schedule a free evaluation with a LASIK provider near you.
