LASIK surgery aftercare
Congratulations on your new vision.
Most patients notice sharper vision within 24 hours and are back to normal within a week. The follow-up care is just as important as the procedure. Here’s your complete post-LASIK recovery guide.
Aftercare instructions
The first 24 hours after LASIK
Seven simple habits for the first day. Most patients find a nap with their protective shields on is the easiest way to start.
- Rest your eyes. Take a nap or keep your eyes closed for 3–4 hours after the procedure.
- Protect them while you sleep. Wear goggles or eye shields while sleeping for the first 24 hours.
- Use your prescribed drops. Follow your doctor’s instructions exactly: they prevent infection, inflammation, and dryness.
- Discomfort is manageable. If you feel any, take a pain reliever you’d normally use.
- Red spots are normal. A few red spots on your eyes are expected and will fade on their own.
- Wear sunglasses outside. Your eyes will be light-sensitive at first, so shade them whenever you’re outdoors.
- Keep every follow-up appointment. Follow-up visits, and annual eye exams after that, keep your eyes healthy and your vision sharp.
What to expect
Your LASIK recovery timeline
Follow-up appointments track your healing at each stage. Your doctor prescribes drops for the first week and monitors your vision over the first few months.
Immediately after
Rest, shields on, drops started. A few simple steps help your eyes perform their best.
1 day after
Your first follow-up appointment. Most patients can drive and return to work after it.
1 week after
Attend your 1-week post-op if scheduled, and keep using your prescribed drops as directed.
3 weeks after
Strenuous activity and contact sports can resume with eye protection, including swimming.
3–6 months after
Your vision reaches its optimum as healing completes. A final check confirms your result.
Watch
Recovery, in 90 seconds.
Getting back to normal
Resuming activities after LASIK
Many patients return to work within a day or two. Here’s when it’s safe to pick everything else back up. Always confirm with your doctor.
Recovering from PRK instead?
PRK corrects the same vision problems but heals differently, so recovery takes slightly longer. See PRK recovery expectations.
| Rubbing your eyes! The one to remember: no rubbing at all while your eyes heal. | 1 month |
| Driving Your doctor confirms when it’s safe, typically the day after surgery. | Next day |
| Returning to work Most patients are back within a day or two. | 1–2 days |
| Vigorous exercise Give your eyes a week before returning to hard workouts. | 1 week |
| Swimming, hot tubs & whirlpools Keep water out of your eyes entirely for the first week. | 1 week |
| Eye makeup Skip liner, mascara, and eye creams while the surface heals. | 1 week |
| Gardening & dusty environments Avoid airborne dust and debris that could irritate your eyes. | 1 week |
Common questions about LASIK recovery
Most patients see noticeably better within 24 hours and return to normal activities within a week. Vision continues to sharpen and stabilize over the first 3–6 months as healing completes.
Wait at least one month before rubbing your eyes, and ideally break the habit for good. Rubbing too soon can displace the healing corneal flap.
Light indoor exercise can resume the day after surgery. Add moderate outdoor activity after a few days with protective eyewear, and more demanding activities after one week.
Not in the first 24 hours; arrange a driver for your procedure. Most patients can safely drive the day after surgery once their doctor confirms at the follow-up appointment.
Avoid swimming, hot tubs, and whirlpools for one week. After at least one week you can get back in the water, following your post-op precautions.
Non-contact activity can resume after a week. Contact sports can resume about three weeks after surgery with protective eyewear.
Any sunglasses with full UV protection. Your eyes will be light-sensitive at first, so wear them whenever you’re outdoors during the first weeks.
Foundation and lipstick are fine right away. Wait at least three days before any eye makeup, and check with your eye care professional if you are unsure.