If you’re considering LASIK, you’ve probably heard about the near-instant vision improvement and the freedom from glasses and contacts. But what happens after the laser does its job? While the procedure itself is quick and virtually painless, recovery is where the real magic—and patience—comes in. Here’s what you need to know about healing after LASIK and how to make the most of your journey to clearer vision.

The moment you sit up from surgery, you’ll likely notice a difference in your vision—but don’t expect perfection right away. Many patients experience haziness or mild blurriness at first, which improves within hours. Your eyes may feel dry, gritty or even a bit watery, but don’t worry, this is completely normal. A long nap after surgery is highly recommended, it gives your eyes a chance to start healing without the strain of staying open.

This is when your eyes are at their most sensitive. Here’s what to expect and how to care for them:

• Dry Eyes are Common – Lubricating eye drops will be your best friend. Many patients experience temporary dry eye symptoms as their tear production normalizes.
• Halos and Glare at Night – Seeing rings around lights, especially in dim conditions, is common but should fade over time.
• No Rubbing Allowed – Your corneas need to heal properly so avoid touching your eyes, even if they feel itchy.
• Sunglasses are a Must – Your eyes will be extra sensitive to light so keep a good pair of UV-protective sunglasses handy whenever you step outside.

Within the first month, you should be noticing steady improvements in your vision. However, some fluctuations are still normal. One day your eyesight may be ultra-sharp and the next, things may seem a little hazy—this is just your corneas adjusting. Follow-up appointments with your surgeon are crucial to ensure everything is healing as expected.

Most patients achieve their best vision within 3 to 6 months. By this stage, dryness and sensitivity should significantly improve and any night vision disturbances, such as halos or starbursts, will usually subside. This is when you can truly enjoy the freedom of life without glasses or contacts. To ensure the best recovery, stick to your eye drop routine—artificial tears and prescribed drops help prevent dryness and infections. Avoid swimming and hot tubs for at least a month; bacteria and chemicals can interfere with healing. Follow your doctor’s advice on screen time because too much too soon can strain your healing eyes. Most importantly, be patient as your eyes are adjusting to a new way of seeing, and perfect clarity doesn’t happen overnight.

LASIK is a life-changing procedure, but the recovery process is just as important as the surgery itself. By understanding what to expect and taking the right precautions, you’ll be setting yourself up for the best results possible. Follow your surgeon’s guidelines, give your eyes the care they deserve and get ready to experience the world with a fresh, clear perspective.

To learn if you are a candidate for LASIK surgery, contact The Eye Clinic Surgicenter at 406-252-6608 or WEBSITE.