When Do You See Results After LASIK?
September 4, 2024
Are you tired of fumbling with your glasses? Do you wonder why your eyes are so dry whenever you wear your contacts?
If you are done with the hassle and expense of visual aids and considering a vision correction procedure like LASIK, you may wonder how soon you will see the results after it's complete. After years of frames and frustrations, wouldn't you like to enjoy the joys of improved vision thanks to LASIK as quickly as possible?
Keep reading to learn when you see the results after LASIK and why this incredible procedure has changed the lives of millions of satisfied patients!
Understanding LASIK
LASIK, which stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, is today's most popular and widely known vision correction procedure. It can correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
LASIK works because it reshapes the cornea to correct these refractive errors. But another reason LASIK is such a fantastic procedure is that it corrects vision beyond the original prescription.
That means you'll see more clearly and with far more clarity than you could when you depended on visual aids. It's no accident that most LASIK patients end up with 20/20 vision or better after the procedure, improved depth perception, and other benefits to your sight.
Part of what makes LASIK so popular is that it is suitable for many people looking to correct their vision permanently. Many factors go into LASIK candidacy, but some of the most essential include being at least 18, having a stable prescription that's within the limits of what LASIK can treat that hasn't changed in a year or more, and having thick enough corneas to undergo the procedure safely.
During the LASIK procedure, your LASIK surgeon at Eyes of York will use a femtosecond, or infrared, laser to create a flap on the surface of the cornea. After making the flap, your LASIK surgeon will pull it back to allow access to the cornea's stroma or middle layer.
An excimer laser is then used to reshape the stroma, which is the cornea's middle layer and corrects refractive errors during LASIK. LASIK is complete once your surgeon replaces the flap, which acts like a natural bandage during recovery.
The procedure typically takes ten minutes per eye, with the excimer laser correction taking less than two of those ten minutes. LASIK is an outpatient procedure, meaning you can go home once it's over.
Most LASIK patients start noticing improved vision almost immediately and continue improving in the days and weeks following the procedure.
Ready to say yes to better vision?
Schedule a LASIK Consultation!
Recovery and Results after LASIK
While recovery and results after LASIK vary from patient to patient, most patients will follow this timeline:
Immediately After LASIK
Immediately after LASIK, you may start noticing almost immediate visual improvements. As the numbing eye drops wear off, you may experience discomfort, including blurry vision, dryness, or a foreign body sensation of something being in the eye.
However, these side effects should dissipate after only a day or two. Once a friend or family member has driven you home after LASIK, you should rest to give your eyes time to recover.
Avoid activities like looking at your phone or reading a book to prevent eye strain. Instead, you can listen to podcasts or audiobooks.
If your eyes feel itchy or are causing discomfort, do not rub them, as this can damage the delicate flap created during LASIK. Eye drops can help with any irritation or discomfort you may feel after having LASIK.
The Day After LASIK
Most patients notice their vision is already noticeably better a day after having LASIK. This will only continue improving as your eyes heal more.
It is essential to follow all instructions from your LASIK surgeon to ensure the best possible outcome from LASIK. Potential complications can affect the final results of LASIK and your visual outcome.
A Week After LASIK
In the first week after LASIK, you may notice that your vision looks sharper and clearer as it continues improving. Most people can return to work and other daily activities after only a day or two of having LASIK while enjoying better vision.
To ensure your eyes heal properly, you should continue using prescribed eye drops to prevent infection and reduce inflammation, as well as any over-the-counter eye drops to keep your eyes moist and comfortable. For most patients, post-procedure symptoms will have stopped, leaving you with the sharp, vibrant vision you've always wanted.
You may be more sensitive to bright lights and glare during this time, making a broad-rimmed hat or sunglasses more comfortable outdoors.
A Month After LASIK
By the end of the first month, you'll be experiencing just why the results of LASIK are so impressive. Most patients report significant improvements in the quality and clarity of their vision.
Full Recovery After LASIK
Although you should see significant visual changes a month after LASIK, most patients reach their peak vision 3-6 months after the vision correction procedure. You'll have sharp, crisp vision, allowing you to see in amazing clarity whether you're outside on a summer evening or inside watching your favorite show on the weekend.
Factors Affecting Recovery and Results
Several factors can affect how quickly you recover after LASIK and your visual outcomes from the procedure. These include:
Individual Healing Process
Each LASIK patient's eyes heal differently. Age, health, and post-procedure care can affect the healing process.
Post-Procedure Care
Your likelihood of having the best possible results after LASIK is significantly higher if you follow all post-procedure instructions from your LASIK surgeon at Eyes of York. This includes using all prescribed medications as directed and attending follow-up appointments.
Lifestyle
Having the most optimal recovery also comes down to your lifestyle. Not being a smoker, eating healthy, exercising, and avoiding trauma to the face or eyes while your eyes are still healing will help you achieve the vision you want with LASIK.
Because LASIK doesn't have a long recovery, you won't have to wait long to experience the results of better vision. Are you ready to change your life?
Today, take the first step with a LASIK consultation at Eyes of York in York, PA! Why wait any longer for the vision of your dreams?