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Will I Have a Speedy Recovery from Laser Eye Surgery?

Having surgery can be a daunting prospect. It likely brings connotations of hospital wards, backless gowns, and long recovery times. This can even be enough to make many patients question whether Laser Eye Surgery could really be worth it all. After all, it is a 100% optional procedure. But if you’ve found yourself wondering, “Is this the right choice for me?“, or “How long will it take me to recover from Laser Eye Surgery?”, then you’re in the right place.

It is true that Laser Eye Surgery is a surgical procedure that should be approached with serious consideration. However, it’s not quite like the surgeries described above. It is fast, minimally invasive, and doesn’t require any overnight hospital stays. You can even keep your own clothes on during the procedure. But what about the recovery period? Will you have a speedy recovery? Let’s find out.

A Painless Procedure

When patients learn that they will be awake during their Laser Eye Surgery treatment, many naturally begin to panic. But you can rest assured that this is a quick and painless procedure that will be over before you know it.

The use of anaesthetic eye drops ensures that you will feel no pain – though a strange “pressure” in the eye can be expected. Moreover, thanks to innovative “eye-tracking” technology, it won’t matter if you blink, sneeze, or even fall off the bed!

What About the Recovery?

Recovery times can vary from patient to patient, depending on factors such as age, overall health, type of treatment, and the quality of the clinic and surgeon. But recovery from Laser Eye Surgery is generally smooth and fast – particularly compared with many other procedures.

So, let’s take a look at a typical timeline for a patient who has just undergone LASIK eye surgery – the most common Laser Eye Surgery procedure.
  • Your treatment will be complete within a matter of minutes. After sitting up from the treatment chair, you may notice immediate improvements to your vision; however, the full effects won’t be realised for some time.
  • As you will have been advised to avoid public transport, you might get a ride home with a friend or family member, after a short period of relaxation in our recovery room.
  • You will be advised to avoid certain activities, such as screen time, exercise, and taking showers (opt for a relaxing bath, instead!), for the first 24 hours after your treatment.
  • You should regularly apply the lubricating eye drops that are provided as part of your aftercare pack. This should help to ease any discomfort in your eyes. You will also be provided with painkillers, should you need them.
  • The next day, you will return to the clinic for your first follow-up appointment. Your surgeon will assess the results of the surgery and, in most cases, sign you off to return to work, get back to driving, and resume light exercise activities.
  • You will be reminded of the common side effects of Laser Eye Surgery, such as dryness, and night glare. These can persist for a few weeks to a few months after the surgery as your eyes heal.
  • By your second follow-up appointment 3-4 weeks after your treatment, you should be pretty much back to your normal routine, though it is still advised to avoid contact sports and continue to take extra care of your eyes. Life should be back to normal – albeit with a greater standard of vision!
Your choice of clinic and surgeon can have significant bearing on your recovery from Laser Eye Surgery. This is for a number of reasons, including:
  1. The thouroughness of the screening process: Our comprehensive screening process allows us to gather as much information as possible about your eyes – form their overall health to your prescription. This allows us to design a truly bespoke treatment plan and avoid complications later.
  2. The range of treatments on offer: Many prospective patients have been turned away by other clinics or have unwittingly settled for older treatments due to the limitations of their clinic. This can result in longer recovery times. For example, recovery from PRK/LASEK is significantly longer than recovery from LASIK or ReLEx SMILE.
  3. The quality of the aftercare regime: Different clinics will offer varying standards of aftercare. Things like having access to your surgeon post-surgery, and visiting your clinic for regular check-ups is crucial for ensuring a smooth and trouble-free recovery.

Of course, there is no way to know for sure how your Laser Eye Surgery recovery will go. However, one thing is for sure: Opting for a high-quality clinic with access to the best surgeons and the latest technology will certainly help to maximise outcomes and minimise complications.

Laser Eye Surgery recovery is not as scary as you might think. What’s more, our friendly and knowledgeable clinic staff will be with you every step of the way as you realise the true benefit of your new and improved vision.

Would you like to learn more about Laser Eye Surgery at the London Vision Clinic? Then why not get in touch with one of our friendly clinic coordinators or Book a Consultation today?