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Flaum Eye Institute / LASIK & Advanced Vision Correction / What to Expect

What to Expect: LASIK Recovery and Timeline

If you're planning LASIK eye surgery, understanding the recovery process is essential. The nationally recognized team at University of Rochester Medicine Flaum Eye Institute provides expert guidance before, during, and after your procedure—so you can heal with confidence.

Before Surgery: How to Prepare

Before surgery, you may be asked to:

  • Stop wearing contact lenses
  • Avoid eye makeup, lotions, or creams near your eyes
  • Arrange a ride home after surgery

A member of your care team will review detailed medical instructions with you ahead of the surgery day.

Day of Surgery: What To Expect

LASIK is a short outpatient procedure, and most patients are surprised by how fast it feels.

On the day of surgery:

  • Each eye is treated in just a few minutes
  • Numbing eye drops are used
  • You remain awake, but comfortable
  • You may request the mild sedative, Valium, for added comfort

The procedure usually takes about 15 minutes. After surgery, you’ll rest briefly and then go home the same day. Once home, most patients sleep for several hours after surgery.

LASIK Recovery Timeline

First 24 Hours

  • Vision may be blurry or hazy at first
  • Mild irritation, tearing, or light sensitivity is common
  • You’ll rest your eyes and avoid rubbing them
  • Protective eye goggles may be worn while sleeping

One to Three Days After Surgery

  • Vision often improves significantly
  • Most patients return to work within one to two days
  • Driving is usually possible after your day-one post operative visit
  • Eye drops are used to support healing

One Week to One Month After Surgery

  • Over-the-counter artificial tears promote comfort
  • Vision continues to stabilize
  • Dry eye symptoms may come and go
  • Follow-up visits ensure healing is on track
  • Activity restrictions are gradually lifted

Long-Term Recovery

  • Most patients enjoy stable, long-lasting vision
  • Routine eye care and follow-up remain important

Your care team will guide you through every stage of recovery.


LASIK Recovery Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Temporary side effects are normal as your eyes heal. Most are mild and improve with time. Common side effects include:
  • Dry eyes
  • Blurry or fluctuating vision
  • Light sensitivity
  • Glare or halos around lights, especially at night
  • Mild irritation, grittiness or tearing during the first day
Your care team is here to support you throughout recovery. Contact us right away if you have:
  • Severe or worsening eye pain
  • Sudden vision changes
  • Increasing redness, swelling, or discharge
  • Symptoms that worsen instead of improving
Many patients return to daily activities sooner than expected. Timing may vary, but typically:
  • Work: 1–2 days
  • Driving: Often within a day or two, once vision is clear
  • Exercise: Light activity after a few days
  • Eye makeup: Usually after about one week
  • Swimming: After your surgeon says it’s safe
PRK is another laser vision correction option. Long-term results are similar, but recovery differs. With PRK, you may experience more discomfort in the first few days, and vision may take longer to recover.
Everyone is a little different, but most patients have comfortable and uneventful recoveries. But we are there every step of the way, including providing your surgeon’s cell phone number on the day of surgery.


Attend a Free Webinar to Learn More

An educated patient is our best patient. We offer an opportunity to learn more about laser vision correction, meet the doctors and our team, ask questions, and take a virtual tour of our facility.

Register for Webinar