When patients come to Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley excited about life without glasses, their biggest question is usually the same:
“How long does it take to recover from LASIK?”
The great news: modern LASIK has one of the fastest recovery times of any medical procedure. And with our team guiding you every step of the way, you’ll know exactly what to expect.
LASIK Recovery Time: The Short Answer
Refractive Surgeon Dr. Craig Bindi says it best:
“We describe LASIK as an overnight recovery. Most people feel comfortable and see clearly the very next day.”
Right after your procedure, your vision will look foggy for about 5–6 hours. Your eyes may feel dry, watery, or irritated — totally normal.
Most patients take a nap, rest, and by morning feel dramatically better.
In fact, many patients are amazed at the difference within minutes:
“People walk into the laser room and it’s blurry without their glasses. Fifteen minutes later, they’re already seeing more clearly.” —Dr. Bindi
Typical LASIK Recovery Timeline
First 5–6 Hours
- Blurry vision
- Light sensitivity
- Grittiness or tearing
You’ll need someone to drive you home, and rest is the best medicine.
Next Morning
Most patients wake up with clear, comfortable vision and can:
- Drive to their follow-up
- Return to office or computer work
- Resume most normal routines
The cornea is the fastest-healing tissue in the body, which is why LASIK recovery happens so quickly.
First Week
Your vision continues to sharpen, with occasional dryness or halos as part of normal healing.
Follow-ups take place:
- Day 1
- 1 month
- 3 months
Tips to Speed Up LASIK Healing
Dr. Bindi’s top guidance for a smooth recovery:
1. Use Your Drops Exactly as Directed
Antibiotic drops prevent infection.
Anti-inflammatory drops support healing.
2. Use Lubricating Drops — A Lot
“There’s no overdose with lubricating drops. They keep the eyes comfortable and nurture healing.” —Dr. Bindi
3. Not Rubbing Your Eyes
This is the biggest “don’t” during early recovery.
4. Avoid Makeup, Pools, and Hot Tubs for 1 Week
Prevents irritation and keeps the eyes safe.
Final Results
Most patients enjoy their “wow moment” within 24 hours.
Vision continues to refine over a few weeks, with final results confirmed at the three-month visit.
LASIK’s speed, comfort, and life-changing clarity are why patients call it one of the best decisions they’ve ever made.
