LASIK surgery is a very popular procedure that has helped millions of people around the globe to get good vision. For those who find that they’ve grown tired of wearing glasses or contact lenses just to go about their daily lives, the idea of LASIK is almost too good to pass up. If you undergo LASIK, you should know that there is a recovery period after surgery. At Champaign Eye Professionals, we provide pre and post-operative support to patients who have LASIK. It’s called LASIK co-management in Champaign, IL, and we welcome any questions you may have related to this service. In the meantime, here’s what you can expect with LASIK recovery times.

Immediately After Surgery

You should organize for someone to drive you home afterward, because right after having LASIK, it’s common to experience mild discomfort, such as a gritty sensation, light sensitivity or watery eyes. These symptoms make it just a little uncomfortable to drive, so to be on the safe side, get someone else to help out. The symptoms will abate in a few hours, but for good measure, you should plan on resting. Avoid things that may strain your eyes, like reading, sewing and the like. Instead, rest your eyes and consider playing music or listening to an audio book or something similar. Your eye doctor will give you protective glasses or an eye shield, so you should use that as instructed, too. This will help to prevent you from accidentally rubbing your eyes, as well as to block out excess light.

Ongoing Recovery

By the end of the first week, many patients notice significant improvements in their vision. However, some may still experience dryness or glare, particularly at night. It’s crucial to follow your optometrist’s aftercare instructions, including attending follow-up visits and using lubricating drops as needed.

LASIK recovery is generally smooth, but results and timelines vary. And your optometrist in Champaign, IL will be with you the whole way!