How long does it take to recover from LASIK?

One of the most appealing things about LASIK is the quick recovery. But many people still ask: “How long will it take before I can see clearly again?”

The good news is that LASIK recovery is usually fast. Most patients are back to normal activities within a couple of days. That said, healing continues for weeks, and your vision will gradually settle. Let’s look at the LASIK recovery timeline.

Immediately after surgery

You’ll spend a short time in recovery before going home
Your eyes may feel watery, gritty, or slightly uncomfortable
You’ll need someone to drive you home, as you won’t be able to drive yourself.

The first 24 hours

Most people notice a big improvement in their vision within a day
You may still have some blurriness, sensitivity to light, or halos around lights
Resting your eyes is important. Avoid screens if possible.

Day 1–2: Back to daily life

Many patients are cleared to return to work within 1–2 days
Driving is often possible after your first check-up, provided your vision meets legal standards
You’ll use lubricating drops to keep your eyes comfortable.

The first week

Most discomfort fades within a few days
Avoid rubbing your eyes
Avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, or dusty environments to reduce infection risk
Makeup around the eyes should also be avoided for at least a week.

Week 2–4

Vision continues to sharpen
You may still notice slight fluctuations, especially in the evening
Dry eyes can persist but usually improve with drops.

1–3 months

By this point, most patients’ vision is stable
Follow-up visits confirm your eyes are healing properly
Any lingering side effects, like glare or halos, typically fade.

When will my vision be fully clear?

Most people see well enough to resume normal life after a day or two. But final results can take several weeks as your cornea fully heals and your brain adapts to the sharper vision.

Tips for a smooth recovery

Follow your surgeon’s instructions closely
Use all prescribed drops as directed
Take breaks from screens to reduce strain
Wear sunglasses outdoors to protect from UV light
Attend every follow-up appointment.

How does LASIK recovery compare to other procedures?

LASIK: Fastest recovery, usually back to work in 1–2 days.
LASEK/TransPRK: Recovery takes longer (5–7 days off work is typical).

This is one reason LASIK is so popular for busy people who want minimal downtime.

So, how long does recovery take?

You’ll notice a dramatic improvement almost straight away, but your vision continues to refine over weeks and months. By three months, most patients enjoy stable, sharp vision.

Next steps

Wondering if LASIK could be right for you?

Take our suitability self-test to see if you’re a candidate. It’s free, quick, and gives you an instant result.