LASIK Recovery – What You Can Expect

When you get LASIK surgery at Illinois Eye Center, you’re getting the most advanced form of blade-free LASIK available today. The WaveLight® Refractive Suite provides patients with fast, personalized, and 100% blade-free results. With fast treatment time, many prospective patients are left wondering if the LASIK recovery process is just as quick. Let’s talk LASIK recovery, so you can get an idea of what to expect.

Immediately After LASIK

After your LASIK procedure at the LASIK Institute at Illinois Eye Center, you may experience temporary side effects like “foreign body” sensation, dryness or fluctuation in vision, and glare around lights at night. You’ll be given medicated drops for one week and moisturizing drops to use for one to two months.

You can expect rapid visual recovery! It’s important that you refrain from “workouts” for 2-3 days after surgery and no swimming (that includes whirlpool and steam room) for two weeks. Avoid wearing makeup for one week and wear eye protection for contact and water sports.

The Day After LASIK

LASIK recovery is different for everyone, and some people may require an extra day or two to recover from LASIK. For the majority of patients, though, it will be easy to resume everyday activities the very next day. Patients go in for a follow-up exam with their LASIK doctor the day after surgery. During that appointment, your doctor examines your eyes and ensures that they are recovering as expected. And you’ll be able to share how your LASIK recovery is going, and express any concerns or difficulties you may be experiencing.

Long Term LASIK Recovery

Take extra steps to avoid eye injuries after your eyes have fully recovered. Wear goggles while swimming and safety glasses as needed at work or home. Keep returning to your doctor for follow-up visits and eye exams even as you get used to your dramatically improved vision.

If you have any other questions about LASIK surgery, check out the LASIK resources we have available online. You can also attend one of our FREE upcoming LASIK seminars.

Call us at (309) 243-2400 to schedule an appointment with our eye care specialists today.

Thanksgiving Schedule

All Offices

7:30-noon Wednesday, 11/27
By appointment only:

  • Thursday, 11/28
  • Friday, 11/29
  • Saturday, 11/30

Normal hours resume on Monday, 12/2

Optical Department

Close at noon on Wednesday, 11/27 with normal hours resuming on Monday, 12/2

EyeCareToday – Same Day

Closes at noon on Wednesday, 11/27 with normal hours resuming on Monday, 12/2