LASIK Recovery Timeline: Hour-by-Hour to Month 3

Everyone heals differently. Use this as a realistic roadmap and follow your surgeon’s instructions.

First 24 hours

• Immediately after: Light sensitivity, tearing, sandy sensation. Keep eyes closed as much as possible and nap if you can.
• Drops: Start antibiotic/anti‑inflammatory as directed; use preservative‑free artificial tears liberally.
• Protection: Wear shields while sleeping. Don’t rub your eyes.
• Driving: Wait until your next‑day appointment and clearance.

Days 2–3

• Vision: Often good enough for light work; expect fluctuations and haze.
• Comfort: Dryness is common—use artificial tears frequently.
• Activities: Short, frequent screen breaks; avoid eye makeup.

Days 4–7

• Vision: Improving. Nighttime halos/glare possible; they typically fade with time.
• Activities: Most desk work is fine. Avoid pools, hot tubs, and dusty environments.
• Exercise: Light workouts are often allowed; avoid contact sports and water exposure until cleared.

Weeks 2–4

• Vision: Stabilizing. Quality may keep improving (sharper contrast, better night driving).
• Drops: Continue artificial tears as needed; taper medicated drops per plan.
• Life: Gradual return to normal routine, still avoiding eye rubbing.

Months 1–3

• Vision: Most people reach stable clarity by 1–3 months. Mild night artifacts often continue to diminish.
• Enhancements: Rarely discussed before stability—your surgeon will advise timing if needed.

Do’s and don’ts (summary)

Do:

• Use prescribed drops and preservative‑free tears often.
• Wear shields for sleep early on and eye protection for sports when allowed.
• Keep follow‑up appointments.

Avoid:

• Rubbing your eyes.
• Swimming, hot tubs, and dusty environments until cleared.
• Makeup around the eyes in the first week (or as instructed).

When to call

Increasing pain, sudden loss of vision, a curtain of shadow, pus‑like discharge, or a new large floater/flashes are not typical—call your clinic promptly.

Manage expectations

Minor dryness and night glare are common and usually temporary. Most people resume daily life quickly, with ongoing refinements in visual quality over the first few weeks.