Recovering from LASIK Surgery: What to Expect

LASIK, short for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, is the most common type of laser refractive surgery, with around 9.5 million people in the United States undergoing the procedure annually. However, many people hesitate to sign up for LASIK because they don’t know what to expect from recovery.

At Ventura Eye Institute in Camarillo, California, Michael Ragen, MD, and our professional team of specialists can help you determine whether you’re a good candidate for LASIK corrective vision surgery, and coach you on what to expect after your procedure.

LASIK basics

LASIK works best for people who have common refractive error; in other words, those who are nearsighted (myopia), farsighted (hyperopia) or have astigmatism. 

The best candidates for LASIK are age 18 to 65, don’t smoke, and don’t have other eye conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration, or retinopathy. Dr. Ragen may test you for intraocular eye pressure before approving the LASIK procedure.

The odds of LASIK success are high: more than 80% of LASIK patients can stop wearing glasses or contacts after the procedure, and over 90% reach 20/20 eyesight. LASIK also has a 96% patient satisfaction rate.

LASIK procedure

LASIK is a quick and painless outpatient procedure. Dr. Ragen numbs your eyes, then creates a tiny flap on your cornea so he can bring a very small laser to bear on the corneal tissue. 

The laser reshapes the tissue to correct your vision problems, whether you’re nearsighted or farsighted and/or have astigmatism. The whole process typically takes less than an hour. 

LASIK recovery

Once your procedure is complete, you need someone to drive you home. Dr. Ragen gives you eyedrops and aftercare instructions. If you have any discomfort, a cold pack laid over your eyes usually deals with it easily. 

You might have some tears that look pink or yellowish; don’t be alarmed, this is normal after eye surgery. 

Your sight will be blurry right after the operation. However, by the next day, your vision clears enough for you to function normally, including being able to drive. Over the next few days, your vision keeps improving. 

It can take some people up to a few weeks to reach maximum vision improvement. The most common side effect from LASIK surgery is dry eye, which can last a few months after surgery.

Are you interested in receiving LASIK? You can schedule a consultation by calling our office at 805-388-1211 or by booking online today.