What Is the Recovery Time for LASIK Eye Surgery?

LASIK eye surgery recovery time will vary from person to person, but most people start enjoying clearer vision within a day. However, while your vision may be vastly improved almost immediately, healing from LASIK may not be complete.

LASIK can be a transformative procedure, offering ideal candidates long-term correction of refractive errors like nearsightedness and astigmatism. This advanced surgical process utilizes laser technology to reshape the cornea, aiming to enhance visual acuity and reduce dependence on glasses and contact lenses.

At 20/20 Institute in Denver, we take pride in being a locally-owned LASIK provider, renowned for our exceptional services and patient-focused approach. Our experienced team, equipped with cutting-edge technology, is dedicated to delivering unparalleled visual outcomes for each patient we see. In fact, an impressive 99.67% of our LASIK patients have achieved 20/20 vision or better*.

To schedule your FREE LASIK consultation at 20/20 Institute, please call 303-202-0669 today. With three locations in the Metro Denver area, we provide advanced LASIK procedures for people living in Colorado Springs, Boulder, Fort Collins, and throughout Colorado. 

How Long Does LASIK Eye Surgery Recovery Take?

The recovery time following LASIK is remarkably swift, with many patients witnessing substantial improvements in their vision almost immediately. However, the healing process is unique to each individual. Full recovery may take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on factors unique to your anatomy, general health, and adherence to pre and postoperative instructions.

Fully dedicated to your comfort and satisfaction, our Denver LASIK surgeons will work directly with you throughout the entire LASIK recovery process to ensure the best possible experience.

What to Expect Immediately After LASIK

Post-LASIK, patients often experience an instant enhancement in their vision. Most patients find themselves capable of resuming work and other daily activities within 24 hours. However, minor discomfort, irritation, or watering of the eyes during the initial hours of recovery is common. To mitigate these symptoms and protect your eyes, You should:

• Refrain from rubbing your eyes
• Wear sunglasses during the day
• Wear protective goggles while sleeping

A follow-up appointment the day after your LASIK procedure helps ensure everything is progressing smoothly.

What to Expect During the First Week

The initial week following LASIK is a critical period for healing. While your vision might appear significantly improved, fluctuations are common, and there may be some dryness or glare present. Adhering to prescribed medications and eye drops can help speed healing. So too can avoiding strenuous activities and environments that could exacerbate irritation.

Long-Term Healing

In the weeks to months that follow LASIK, your vision will continue to stabilize. Lingering side effects—such as dryness or night halos—typically diminish during this period as well. Regular check-ups at 20/20 Institute ensure that your recovery is on track. While outcomes may not be immediate, we will carefully evaluate your final results to ensure they meet our exacting standards.

How Can I Improve My LASIK Eye Surgery Recovery Experience?

At 20/20 Institute, we are dedicated to your absolute satisfaction. To help ensure your comfort during the recovery period, we will provide a detailed regimen—tailored to your exact needs—which may include:

• Taking Prescribed Medications. Medications can play a vital role in preventing infections and reducing inflammation.
• Using Artificial Tears. Lubricating eye drops can help alleviate dryness and enhance comfort.
• Wearing Eye Protection. Wearing protective eyewear while sleeping helps to prevent accidental rubbing of your eyes.
• Avoiding Environmental Irritants. Protecting your eyes from dusty or smoky environments can reduce dryness.
• Refraining from Swimming and Using Hot Tubs. Chlorinated water in pools and hot tubs can pose a risk of infection and irritation to your eyes. Ideally, a patient should avoid swimming for two weeks or until cleared by our doctors to return to water activities.
• Protecting Your Eyes from Light. If you find indoor lights too harsh, consider dimming them or using softer light sources. Invest in a good pair of sunglasses to shield your eyes from harsh UV rays and reduce glare when outdoors.

In addition to carefully adhering to our aftercare instructions, it is important that you attend all post-operative appointments. Regular follow-ups are essential to monitor your healing progress. These appointments allow our Denver LASIK surgeons to ensure that your eyes are healing properly and to catch any potential issues early on. Don’t hesitate to share any concerns or symptoms you may be experiencing during these meetings. Timely communication allows us to address issues before they escalate.

The team at 20/20 Institute is dedicated to providing unparalleled support throughout your recovery journey, ensuring you achieve the best possible visual outcome. Maintaining your comfort while using LASIK to provide 20/20 vision or better* is our top priority.

A Few More Tips to Improve Your LASIK Eye Surgery Recovery

Following our advice and attending all of your post-operative visits are important for the most comfortable LASIK eye surgery recovery. You can further enhance your experience by:

• Focusing on Your Overall Well-Being. Your body’s general health can influence your recovery.
• Staying Hydrated. Drinking plenty of water aids in maintaining optimal bodily functions, including the healing process.
• Maintaining a Balanced Diet. Consuming a variety of nutrients supports overall health and can contribute to a smoother recovery.
• Getting Enough Rest. Ensure you are getting ample sleep and allowing your body (and eyes) time to rejuvenate.
• Managing Screen Time. Prolonged use of electronic devices can strain your eyes. Take frequent breaks, practice the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds), and adjust screen brightness to a comfortable level.

If you use nicotine products, including vaped products and smokeless tobacco, it is best to quit at least six weeks before your LASIK eye surgery. Nicotine, a vasoconstrictor, will slow the healing process and may increase the risk of complications. Refraining from nicotine use until you have fully healed will help you avoid these issues.

Why Choose 20/20 Institute

20/20 Institute is a local LASIK provider, owned and operated by the same Denver area eye doctors who perform our services. We are committed to ensuring you feel supported and confident throughout your entire LASIK journey—from your FREE consultation through your complete recovery.

As an independent LASIK provider, we eschew the corporate norms of one-size-fits-all procedures and lackluster follow-up care. When you choose us, you can expect:

• Unsurpassed Visual Outcomes. Our transparent surgical outcomes speak volumes. 99.67% of our patients have achieved 20/20 vision or better* through LASIK.
• Exceptional Customer Service. Our attentive staff is committed to making your LASIK experience extraordinary, as reflected in our numerous 5-star patient reviews.
• 24/7 Doctor Access. Our Denver LASIK doctors are available around the clock to address your questions and concerns, ensuring your satisfaction and peace of mind.
• Cutting-Edge Technology. We employ state-of-the-art laser eye surgery technology to maximize your chances of achieving optimal visual results.
• Patient-Centered Approach. We value your individuality, offering personalized treatment plans and comprehensive evaluations to meet your unique visual needs.
• Focus on Long-Term Care. We believe in the importance of post-operative follow-up care, providing comprehensive support for a full year after your procedure at no additional charge.
• Transparent Pricing. We offer clear and transparent pricing, along with attractive financing options and discounts for insurance (even if LASIK is not covered by the policy), to make LASIK an affordable choice for you.

Some LASIK providers have a reputation for churning out procedure after procedure. We are careful in our selection of good LASIK candidates and steadfast in our commitment to safety and satisfaction. We will never compromise your vision for any reason, least of all to make a quick buck.

Contact Us for a FREE LASIK Consultation

Are you curious to learn more about the LASIK eye surgery recovery experience at Denver’s 20/20 Institute? Contact us today to schedule a FREE LASIK evaluation. Our experienced LASIK surgeons proudly serve patients from all areas of Colorado.