Your journey
Recovery after LASIK
Reviewed by Rajesh Khanna, MD
Most patients see well enough to drive and work within a day or two. Here is what is normal, and when to call us.
The First Day After LASIK
At the end of your LASIK procedure, antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops are placed in your eyes. It is normal on the day of surgery to have:
Normal symptoms
Plan to go home and rest in a dark or dim room. Keep your eyes gently closed as much as possible for the first several hours. Do not plan important activities on surgery day.
You may shower starting the next day, but avoid getting water or soap directly into your eyes for about a week.
- Watery eyes and a runny nose.
- Light sensitivity and glare.
- Mild burning, stinging, or scratchy sensation.
- Redness and mild swelling of the eyes.
- Hazy or foggy vision, like looking through water or smoke.
Pain & Comfort After LASIK
Most LASIK patients experience only mild discomfort during the first day or so. Burning, tearing, and a gritty feeling are common while the surface cells settle.
Pain medication
- You may take Tylenol, Advil, or another non-aspirin analgesic as directed, unless restricted by your other doctors.
- Cold compresses over closed eyes can help with burning or stinging.
Protection and positioning
If your eyes feel stuck together when you wake up, do not force them open. Apply a warm compress for a few minutes and gently try again. If it remains difficult or painful, call the office.
- Do not rub or press on your eyes. Avoid eye rubbing for at least 1–2 months after LASIK.
- Wear the provided eye shield while sleeping for about 1 week so you do not accidentally rub your eyes at night.
- Wear sunglasses outdoors for at least the first few weeks, and continuing long-term is strongly recommended.
Activity Timeline After LASIK
LASIK recovery is fast, but the corneal flap still needs time to seal and strengthen. The table below reflects common US recommendations and gives a practical “when can I…?” guide. Your surgeon may adjust this based on your individual case.
*Always follow your own surgeon’s recommendations, especially if they are more conservative than this guide.
General “do’s”
- Wear sunglasses outdoors for at least the first few months.
- Use preservative-free artificial tears regularly, especially with screen time.
- Keep away from dusty, dirty, or smoky environments in the first week if possible.
General “don’ts”
- Do not rub, poke, or press on your eyes.
- Do not let swimming pool, lake, or hot tub water get into your eyes until cleared.
- Do not skip drops or follow your own taper schedule; use what your surgeon prescribed.
| Activity | Typical Timing* | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rest, eyes closed, minimal screens | Day 0 (surgery day) | Go home, nap, keep eyes closed as much as possible. No driving. |
| Short phone / TV use | Day 1 | Keep sessions brief with frequent breaks; expect quick eye fatigue. |
| Driving | Day 1–2 | Usually allowed after your first post-op exam if vision meets legal standards and you feel safe. |
| Desk work / school | Day 1–2 | Most patients return within 24–48 hours. Use artificial tears and take frequent screen breaks. |
| Showering / washing hair normally | Day 1 | Keep eyes closed; avoid water, soap, and shampoo directly in the eyes for about 1 week. |
| Light exercise (walking, gentle stationary bike, stretching) | Day 1–3 | Safe as long as you avoid sweat in the eyes and do not rub your eyes. |
| Regular gym workouts (running, weights, classes) | About 1 week | Build up gradually; use a headband or towel to keep sweat away from the eyes. |
| Non-contact sports (tennis, golf, non-contact basketball) | About 1 week | Start cautiously; stop if you notice discomfort, glare, or unstable vision. |
| Non-eye makeup (foundation, lipstick, blush) | Day 2–3 | Avoid loose powders close to the eyes in the first few days. |
| Eye makeup (mascara, eyeliner, eye shadow) | About 1 week | Use new products and remove gently; avoid rubbing or pulling on the eyelids. |
| Swimming (pools, ocean, lakes), hot tubs, sauna | After 3–4 weeks | Avoid all water activities for at least 3 weeks; many surgeons prefer closer to 4 weeks. Wear goggles when you first return and avoid opening eyes underwater early on. |
| High-impact workouts / heavy weightlifting | About 2 weeks | Avoid straining and Valsalva-type maneuvers in the first week; resume more intense training as cleared by your surgeon. |
| Contact sports (soccer, martial arts, competitive basketball, boxing) | Around 4–6 weeks | Use proper eye protection. Risk is flap trauma; some surgeons prefer the longer end of this range. |
| Hair coloring, lash extensions, tints, facials close to eyes | 2–4 weeks | Avoid chemicals, vapors, and manipulation around the eyes until the surface is quiet and stable. |
When to Call the Doctor After LASIK
Call immediately if you notice:
For questions or concerns about your recovery, you can reach:
- Sudden decrease in vision or a dark curtain over part of your vision.
- Severe pain not relieved by recommended pain medication.
- Marked increase in redness, swelling, or thick discharge from the eye.
- New flashes of light or a sudden shower of floaters.
- A sensation that something has shifted or is very wrong with the eye.
Frequently asked questions
How soon will my vision be clear after LASIK?
Many patients notice a big improvement the very next day and feel comfortable driving and working. Vision continues to sharpen and stabilize over the next few days to weeks, with occasional fluctuations and halos at night being common early on.
Will I still need glasses after LASIK?
Most patients significantly reduce or eliminate their need for distance glasses or contacts. Reading glasses may still be needed later in life as the natural lens ages (presbyopia).
Can LASIK be enhanced later if needed?
If a small residual prescription remains after healing, an enhancement procedure may be considered. Timing and eligibility depend on your corneal thickness, shape, and overall eye health.
What if my job is very physical or in a harsh environment?
You may need extra time off or additional eye protection. Discuss the details of your work with your surgeon so they can tailor activity restrictions specifically for you.
General information, not medical advice. Your surgeon’s written instructions take priority over this page. Questions? Call (310) 482-1240.