June 2025
At OVO LASIK + LENS, the path to exceptional vision begins the moment you book your LASIK with our world-renowned surgeons and expert care team. As you prepare for your procedure, it’s natural to have questions about LASIK recovery and what to expect during each stage. We are your dedicated vision partner, and we’re committed to making your healing process clear, comfortable, and tailored to you long after your surgery. This guide outlines what to expect, so you can feel confident in every step of your journey to a lasting, life-changing vision.
Your Immediate Post-LASIK Recovery Experience
Before your procedure, you’ll relax in one of our comfortable LASIK suites while our team reviews your personalized aftercare plan and ensures you’re feeling ready and prepared. Immediately after your procedure, the surgeon will confirm that everything looks as it should, and the next step is to head home (driver required) and rest with your eyes closed, ideally for 3-4 hours. Most patients notice immediate vision improvement, though some fogginess, like looking underwater, is normal and resolves within 2-6 hours.
Your first 24-48 hours:
- Wear protective eye shields as directed while sleeping, to prevent accidental rubbing.
- Expect light sensitivity; use sunglasses to ease discomfort.
- Expect mild discomfort like gritty or burning sensations; these subside quickly.
- Brief episodes of tearing or watery eyes are part of the natural healing process.
- Fluctuating, blurry vision is normal as your eyes start stabilizing.
You’ll return for your first follow-up visit within 24 hours, where we’ll check your healing and answer any questions you may have.
Pro Tips: Arrange for your ride home ahead of time, use the premium lubricating drops as directed, avoid rubbing your eyes, and rest as much as possible to ease the initial discomfort.
Your LASIK Recovery Timeline – Key Milestones After The First 48 Hours
LASIK recovery is generally quite swift, with most patients noticing remarkable improvements in the days and weeks following their procedure.
First Week (Days 2-7) – Adjusting to Your New Vision
Your vision will continue to stabilize. Minor fluctuations in clarity, dryness, and/or light sensitivity are normal. Mild redness or tiny blood spots on the whites of your eyes are harmless, and you may experience occasional itching or mild irritation. Emotional ups and downs are common as you adjust to your new vision. To support yourself:
- Use all prescribed antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and lubricating eye drops as directed.
- Wear your protective eye shields at night.
- Avoid swimming, hot tubs, eye makeup, and lotions around your eyes.
- Protect your eyes from direct sunlight with high-quality sunglasses.
- Practice careful hand hygiene and avoid getting water, soap, dirt, or makeup in your eyes during the first week.
If you have any questions or experience severe pain, sudden vision loss, or persistent redness, contact the clinic at 877-686-3937 for an immediate follow-up; your safety is our top priority.
At Two Weeks – Settling Into Stable Vision
At this stage in your LASIK recovery, most initial symptoms will have resolved, and your vision will continue to improve. You might still notice halos or glare around lights at night, but these typically diminish over time. The OVO care team will provide personalized guidance on resuming activities and protecting your eyes from irritants and sunlight to promote optimal healing.
One Month and Beyond – Enjoying Clear, Lasting Results
While most patients enjoy clear, stable vision within the first month, subtle fluctuations can continue for up to 3-6 months as your eyes fully heal. If you have a higher prescription, you may notice a longer stabilization period or more dryness; the OVO care team will tailor your follow-up if this is the case. The key for LASIK recovery at this stage is to stay hydrated, eat a balanced diet, and get plenty of rest.
Note: It’s important to keep in mind that your vision will still naturally change with age. Our Lifetime Assurance Program provides ongoing care for your distance vision, so should an Enhancement to your original procedure be necessary, OVO has you covered.
When Can I Resume Everyday Activities?
If you’re eager to return to normal activities, here’s a quick table on activity resumption after LASIK.
Activity | When To Resume |
---|---|
Driving | 24 Hours |
Work – Desk Job | 1-2 Days |
Light Exercise | 2-3 Days |
Eye Makeup | 1 Week |
Swimming/Hot Tub | 1 Week |
Contact Sports | 4+ Weeks |
Screen Time | 24-48 Hours – Limit Initially |
*Follow the 20-20-20 rule to reduce eye strain as you return to screens.
LASIK Recovery Safety – OVO’s Commitment to You
While LASIK is extremely safe, and serious complications are very rare, side effects like dry eye, mild visual fluctuations, or infection can occur during recovery. Our topography-guided Contoura LASIK is driven by Phorcides software and the use of an Alcon EX500 excimer laser, which allows for ultra-precise, customized treatment, minimized side effects and faster, gentler recovery.
Your Legendary Vision Awaits With LASIK at OVO
Ready to experience the OVO standard of care? Book your free LASIK exam today and let our world-renowned experts guide you to a life of clear, effortless vision.