LASIK Recovery Time: Timeline, Tips & Return to Work

LASIK recovery time matters as much as the surgery because good healing leads to clear, comfortable vision. The tricky part is that eyes can feel dry or vision can look a bit blurry at first, and rushing back to screens or workouts can slow recovery. 

In this guide, you’ll find simple, doctor-approved tips to reduce downtime, protect your eyes, and return to your daily life safely.

Understanding LASIK Recovery

LASIK surgery reshapes the cornea so light focuses better on the retina. The laser part takes only a few minutes per eye, but the surface needs time to settle. Most people notice clearer vision within 24–48 hours, although fluctuation, dryness, and light sensitivity may persist for days to weeks. 

Healing is gradual: the first week is about comfort and protection; the next few weeks are about stabilising your vision while you ease back into routine.

The first day sets the tone. Expect scratchy or watery eyes, glare, and blur that comes and goes. Keep things calm and clean.

• Rest your eyes and keep them closed for short spells.
  
• Avoid bright screens and harsh light; use sunglasses indoors if the light feels sharp.
  
• Use your prescribed drops exactly on time (antibiotic/anti-inflammatory and lubricants).
  
• Wear the night shield so you don’t rub your eye while sleeping.
  
• Don’t drive until your doctor says you’re ready and you feel safe to do so.

Managing Discomfort

A mild “sand-in-the-eye” feeling is normal at first. Aim for moisture and patience, not rubbing.

• Lubricating drops as directed and use as prescribed, especially when using a screen.
  
• Hands off: no rubbing, tapping, or pressing the eyelids.
  
• Cool compress on the brow/cheek (not directly on the eye) for 5–10 minutes.
  
• Doctor-approved pain relief if needed.
  
• Stick to the drop schedule; set reminders so you don’t miss doses.

Protecting Your Eyes

Always remember this important motto: “shield, shade, and avoid irritants” for the early weeks.

• Wear sunglasses outdoors to cut glare and UV exposure.
  
• Keep water, soap, and shampoo out of your eyes for 5–7 days; shower carefully with your head tilted back.
  
• No eye makeup for 1–2 weeks; mascara and eyeliner are the most irritating.
  
• Skip swimming, hot tubs, steam rooms, and saunas for 2 weeks to reduce infection risk.
  
• Avoid dusty, smoky, or chemical fumes; step away if your eyes start to sting.
  

Lifestyle Adjustments

Ease back into daily life so the surface can seal and stay comfortable.

• Screens in short bursts for the first few days; use the 20-20-20 rule and blink fully.
  
• Gentle walking is fine from day 1; avoid heavy lifting, high-impact workouts, and contact sports for 1–2 weeks (or as advised).
  
• Sleep slightly head-up with an extra pillow to reduce night-time strain.
  
• Use a humidifier or sit away from strong AC vents to prevent drying.
  
• Drive only when cleared and when your vision feels steady and comfortable.
  

Diet and Hydration

Fuel healing with simple, steady choices.

• Hydration: sip water throughout the day; steady intake helps keep the surface comfortable.
  
• Vitamin-rich foods: carrots, spinach, bell peppers, and citrus fruits for A and C, which support surface repair.
  
• Omega-3s: fish (salmon), walnuts and flaxseeds ease dryness for some people.
  
• Go easy on alcohol and very salty foods in week 1; they can worsen dryness.

Avoiding Eye Strain

Below are the ways to avoid eye strain after lasik surgery:

• Keep screen time short for the first few days; increase slowly.
• Use the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 min, look 20 feet away for 20 sec).
• Blink fully and often; use lubricating drops as advised.
• Read in even, good light; increase font size/zoom, don’t squint.
• Turn on night mode, lower screen glare, and consider a matte screen filter.
  

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Below are the common mistakes to avoid after lasik surgery:

• Skipping follow-ups (these catch small issues early).
  
• Ignoring warning signs like rising pain, redness, or worsening blur.
  
• Rubbing your eyes or sleeping without the night shield.
  
• Returning to hard workouts/contact sports too soon; start with easy walking.
  
• Exposing eyes to irritants, dust, smoke, strong fumes, or using eye makeup too early.
  
• Letting water/soap/shampoo into the eyes during the first week.
  

When to Seek Medical Help

Below are the signs when you must seek medical help after LASIK surgery:

• Sudden or significant drop in vision in either eye.
  
• Persistent or severe pain that doesn’t settle with advised care.
  
• Increasing redness, swelling, or any discharge from the eye.
  
• Strong light sensitivity that is not improving day by day.
  
• Any new shower of floaters or flashes of light.

Conclusion

LASIK recovery time is short for most people, with clear, comfortable vision building over days and stabilising over weeks. 

The fastest recoveries come from simple habits: use your drops on schedule, protect your eyes, ease back into screens and workouts, and keep follow-ups. Expect small ups and downs at first; dryness and glare settle as the surface heals. If anything worsens suddenly, a quick checkup with your eye doctor keeps healing on track.

FAQs

How long does it take to fully recover from LASIK?
To fully recover from LASIK, it usually takes a few days for daily comfort and about 4–6 weeks for vision to stabilize, with minor refinements continuing for a few months.

Can I use my phone after LASIK surgery?
Yes, you can use your phone in short sessions from day 1, taking frequent breaks and using lubricating drops; build up time as comfort allows.

When can I resume exercising after LASIK?
You can resume light walking immediately after LASIK, with most aerobic exercises allowed after 1 week and contact sports or heavy lifting after 1–2 weeks, as advised by your doctor.

What should I avoid eating after LASIK?
You should avoid consuming very salty foods and alcohol during the first week after LASIK, as they can exacerbate dryness. Instead, focus on maintaining hydration and eating balanced meals.

Can I drive the next day after LASIK surgery?
You can drive the next day after LASIK surgery only if your doctor clears you and your vision feels steady without glare or fluctuation.

How long will my vision be blurry after LASIK surgery?
Your vision may be blurry or fluctuate for a few days after LASIK surgery, with morning haze and dryness being common in the first week and improving as the surface settles.

What is the LASIK recovery time to return to work?
The LASIK recovery time return-to-work time is 1–3 days for desk jobs (longer for PRK), provided you can take breaks, use lubricating drops, and manage screen glare.