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Disclaimer

This website is only for basic information. It is not to be considered medical advice or a substitute for obtaining your own medical consultation, during which you will be informed also about possible risks, side effects and restrictions of refractive & cataract surgery. Not all treatment options are approved or offered in every country and approved labeling and instructions may vary from one country to another. This site is also not intended for patients and healthcare providers residing in the United States of America and Japan.

Recovery after LASIK

How long will it be before my eyesight improves?

Once you have undergone laser vision correction, you will no doubt want to get back to your regular day-to-day life as quickly as possible. However, it is important to rest and allow your eyes to heal. There are many ways how you can support the recovery process after LASIK, but it is essential to carefully follow your eye doctor’s instructions post-surgery. They will also be able to advise you when you can resume certain activities, such as driving, swimming or contact sports.

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Close-up of a woman’s face looking upward thoughtfully, representing the healing period after LASIK eye surgery.

LASIK recovery times

Recovery times from LASIK vary from patient to patient. LASIK surgery typically takes around 30 minutes, and you can usually resume light daily activities after a few days.
As the LASIK procedure involves creating a flap in your cornea, healing and recovery times after LASIK are often longer than typical for minimally invasive refractive procedures such as lenticule extraction with ZEISS SMILE or ZEISS SMILE pro. The flap gently sticks back onto the surface of the eye and is naturally protected as the outer layer of the eye (epithelium) grows back over it. There is a chance that the flap will become dislodged, which will lengthen recovery time.

Woman smiling peacefully in a living room setting, reflecting visual independence and comfort post-ZEIS SMILE surgery.

ZEISS SMILE: A flapless alternative to LASIK

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If you are looking for a flapless procedure to correct your vision, lenticule extraction with ZEISS SMILE might be an alternative for you. ZEISS SMILE enables the fast recovery associated with minimally invasive refractive procedures. Consult your eye doctor to see if ZEISS SMILE is suitable for you. Use our clinic finder to look for a clinic offering ZEISS SMILE near you.

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Recovery after LASIK treatment

The phases of recovery after laser vision correction
Hand pulling a suitcase across a street, representing the patient’s departure from the clinic after laser eye surgery and the importance of not driving immediately afterward.

Right after LASIK treatment

Immediately after the procedure, your surgeon will prescribe eye drops to encourage corneal healing during the post-op period. They will also prescribe additional eye drops to use for the next few weeks.

You should not drive right after your treatment, so you will need to make alternative arrangements to get home from the clinic or hospital. Once you are home, try to get some rest or if you can, take a nap.

In the hours right after surgery, you could experience temporary visual fluctuations, light sensitivity or see light halos. These symptoms may disappear over time. And however tempting it may be, you should avoid rubbing your eyes.

Scenic view of ocean waves crashing against rocks seen through pine trees, representing sharp vision and natural detail after vision correction.

The first few days after LASIK

You should still not touch or rub your eyes (even if they feel a little itchy) as this may cause damage to your cornea. Some doctors may recommend wearing eye shields which will not only prevent you from accidentally rubbing your eyes but will also aid the healing process. And although washing your face or taking a shower is fine, you should avoid getting water directly in your eyes after LASIK.

Keep using the eye drops as prescribed. Follow the instructions carefully and complete the full course of treatment. These eye drops will also help alleviate further side-effects like dry eye, so make sure to administer them as directed.

It is important to attend all post-surgery checkups scheduled with your eye doctor to ensure the healing process is on course.

Smiling woman in sunglasses outdoors at sunset, symbolizing post-surgery confidence and protection from light sensitivity following laser eye treatment.

The weeks after LASIK

As the healing from the surgery progresses, you may want to start resuming your daily activities. Please consult your eye doctor to confirm when it will be safe to do so. If you go outside, it is a good idea to wear a good pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV exposure. What’s more, try to avoid smoky or dusty environments as airborne particles may irritate your eye or even interfere with the healing process. As a precautionary measure, you should also avoid wearing creams and makeup.

It is important to keep in contact with your doctor during your recovery. They will be able to advise you about when to return to work, resume sports or high-intensity activities, and start wearing makeup again.

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Your eye doctor can help you find the best treatment option for your specific eye condition.
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  • 1

    Approved and available in selected markets.
  • 2

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  • 3

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