The short answer? Yes.
LASIK is safe, quick and effective, but it is still a surgical procedure, and it takes time for your body to heal. For the most part, patients’ vision returns to normal (meaning clear, sharp vision) within a couple of days. For some patients, however, it can take up to a week for their vision to normalize, which means things will seem blurry for a while. During this time it can be easy to worry, but try not to. This readjustment period during the healing process is quite normal.
What to expect--blurry eyesight
Immediately after your LASIK surgery, your vision will be blurry. This will last for two or three hours. Within the next 24 hours, your vision will greatly improve. However, you may still experience blurry vision or vision fluctuations from time to time as you heal. Your eyes are adjusting to the newly reshaped cornea. They need time to get used to functioning in a new way.
It will take anywhere from three to six months for your eyes to fully heal. During this time, it’s typical to have a few minor side effects show up occasionally, such as intermittent blurriness. Other side effects include halos around lights, dark red spots in the whites of your eyes, or dryness or scratchiness in your eyes. These tend to fade in a few weeks after your surgery.
Why is my recovery taking longer than others?
If you needed a strong prescription for your glasses before undergoing LASIK, your vision may take longer than others to correct fully. Your vision will improve more gradually than those who had lighter prescriptions.
Another factor to think with is whether you were correcting nearsightedness or farsightedness. Patients who had LASIK correction for farsightedness might initially see nearer things more clearly than distant things. Within about a month, their long-range vision will sharpen.
How can I help my eyes heal during recovery?
- Rest your eyes and take it easy to allow your body to heal.
- Use the eye drops we prescribe to counteract dryness and prevent infection, and stay away from smoky or dusty areas.
- Be sure not to rub your eyes, and if needed, wear eye guards at night to protect your eyes from being rubbed in your sleep.
- Stay away from soaps, makeup or lotions in the eye area for at least a week.
- Don’t submerge your head in chlorinated water.
- Avoid contact sports that may impact your eyes.
- Wear sunglasses outdoors to protect your eyes from bright light.
- For at least a month, take frequent breaks from digital screens to rest your eyes.
New York Laser Vision
At New York Laser Vision, our team of experienced, caring professionals provide understanding and expertise to help you through your LASIK journey. We will answer your questions about LASIK and your recovery process. We are here for you from the start of your experience all the way until you are fully recovered and seeing clearly--free from glasses or contacts.
