Laser Eye Surgery Recovery: Timeline, Tips & FAQs
At Centre for Sight, patients benefit from world-class clinical care and expert aftercare designed to ensure a smooth, comfortable healing journey. Here’s what to expect from your laser eye surgery recovery, along with practical guidance and answers to common questions.
Understanding the laser eye surgery recovery timeline
Every patient’s healing experience is slightly different, but most follow a similar pattern. Below is a general timeline of what to expect after your procedure.
Day 1 – Immediate recovery
Following your laser eye surgery, your vision may feel slightly hazy or watery for the first few hours. Mild discomfort, light sensitivity, or a gritty sensation are common but should ease as your eyes begin to heal. It’s important to rest with your eyes closed as much as possible on the first day and use the prescribed eye drops to prevent dryness and infection.
First week – Rapid improvement
Most patients notice clearer vision within 24 to 48 hours. During this period, you should avoid rubbing your eyes, swimming, or using makeup. Screens and bright light can cause temporary strain, so take regular breaks and wear sunglasses when outdoors. Attend your follow-up appointment as scheduled to ensure your eyes are healing as expected.
First month – Steady stabilisation
Over the next few weeks, your vision will continue to sharpen as the corneal tissue fully heals. Fluctuations in clarity, particularly in low light, are normal and gradually reduce over time. By the one-month mark, most patients can resume all normal activities, including contact sports, depending on individual recovery progress and your surgeon’s advice.
For a more detailed overview of the procedure itself, you can explore our laser eye surgery page or learn more about our LASIK and LASEK/PRK treatments.
What’s normal – and what’s not – during eye surgery recovery
During recovery, mild dryness, sensitivity, or temporary fluctuations in vision are expected. These are part of your body’s natural healing response. However, if you experience severe pain, sudden vision loss, or persistent redness, you should contact your clinical team immediately.
At Centre for Sight, patients have direct access to aftercare specialists and ophthalmic consultants who provide ongoing support to ensure a safe, complication-free recovery.
Aftercare tips for a smooth recovery
Your aftercare routine plays a vital role in how quickly and comfortably you recover from laser eye surgery. Here are some essential steps to follow:
- Use your prescribed eye drops exactly as instructed to reduce dryness and prevent infection.
- Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes, even if they feel itchy.
- Rest your eyes regularly and avoid excessive screen time during the first few days.
- Wear your protective eyewear or sunglasses outdoors to reduce glare and protect from dust.
- Refrain from swimming, using saunas, or applying eye makeup for at least two weeks.
These simple steps help protect your eyes while ensuring optimal healing. Our supportive and experienced team will ensure you feel supported throughout your recovery period.
When can I return to work, driving, and exercise?
Most patients can return to desk-based work within a few days, provided they take regular screen breaks. Driving is typically safe once your vision meets the legal standard, which your surgeon will confirm at your follow-up appointment.
Light exercise such as walking can usually resume after 3–5 days, but avoid strenuous activities and contact sports for at least two weeks. Always follow your clinician’s personalised guidance, as recovery speed can vary depending on the type of laser eye surgery you’ve had.
Factors that influence recovery time
While modern laser eye procedures are quick and minimally invasive, recovery can vary based on:
- The specific procedure (LASIK, SMILE, or PRK)
- Your age and general eye health
- How closely you follow aftercare instructions
- Environmental factors such as air quality and screen use
At Centre for Sight, each treatment plan is tailored to the individual, helping ensure you achieve the best possible visual outcome with minimal downtime.
Frequently asked questions about laser eye surgery recovery
Is laser eye surgery painful?
Most patients describe mild discomfort rather than pain. Anaesthetic eye drops are used during the procedure, and any irritation afterwards is usually short-lived.
How long does full recovery take?
Initial recovery takes a few days, but your vision will continue to refine over several weeks. Most patients achieve stable vision within one to three months.
Do I need follow-up appointments?
Yes. Follow-up visits are crucial to monitor healing and ensure your vision is improving as expected. Centre for Sight’s clinical team will guide you through each step of this process.
Are there long-term side effects?
Serious complications are rare. Some patients experience temporary dryness or glare in the early months, but these symptoms typically resolve with time and appropriate aftercare.
Expert support throughout your recovery
At Centre for Sight, patient safety, comfort, and long-term visual results are at the heart of everything we do. From your first consultation through to post-surgery care, our experienced ophthalmic surgeons and support team are here to ensure a seamless recovery experience.
If you’re considering laser eye surgery or want to learn more about what to expect after treatment, book a consultation with our team today.