Laser eye surgery recovery is usually quick but each step still matters. Most people see well within days yet fine tuning continues for weeks.
Early recovery phase
Right after LASIK or SMILE vision is often misty but surprisingly functional. Many people can read large print and walk around safely the same day.
With surface treatments such as PRK the first few days are more uncomfortable. Vision is blurred until the surface layer regrows.
Typical timeline
Patterns vary between procedures and individuals. Your surgeon will describe the plan that suits your eyes.
- First twenty four hours used for rest and frequent drops
- Functional vision for most daily tasks within several days for LASIK or SMILE
- Clearer PRK vision over one to four weeks
- Subtle changes and night vision improvements over several months
