When can I drive after LASIK?

Most people can drive within 24–48 hours once vision is clear and your surgeon confirms it at your Day 1 follow-up. Do not drive until you have been specifically assessed and cleared.

How long does dry eye last after LASIK?

Dry eye is very common after LASIK and usually resolves within 3–6 months. Lubricating drops (artificial tears) are the main treatment. For persistent dry eye, your surgeon can offer additional treatments.

When is vision stable after LASIK?

Vision typically stabilises by 3 months. Your final glasses prescription check should be at this point. Enhancement procedures are available if the result is not fully optimal, usually from 3 months onwards.

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LASIK Eye Surgery Recovery

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Based on guidance from NHS, NICE, AAOS & healthdirect

Last reviewed: July 2026 · Free to use · No data collected

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LASIK recovery is remarkably fast but the first 72 hours are critical. The corneal flap heals in position during this time, rubbing your eyes is the one thing that can dislodge it. Most people can return to driving and work within 2–3 days. Vision continues to stabilise over 3 months.

⚕️ This is friendly general guidance. Your surgeon's and medical team's specific instructions always take priority. If you are concerned about any symptom, contact your surgical team or call emergency services; do not rely on this guide alone.

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Enter your surgery date and see exactly where you are in recovery, plus daily checklists, symptom tracking, and medication reminders.

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LASIK recovery essentials

Protecting your eyes in the first weeks makes all the difference to your outcome.

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Preservative-free drops are the gold standard after LASIK, your eyes will be drier than you expect, and you will use these constantly. Preservative-free eye drops →

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UV protection and wind shielding are important while your corneas heal. Wraparound sunglasses do both. Wraparound sunglasses →

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Eye shields at night prevent you from rubbing your eyes in your sleep: critical in the first week after LASIK. Eye shields →

Postopcare.info may earn a small commission from Amazon at no cost to you. These are things patients have told us genuinely helped their recovery, nothing else.

Content last reviewed: July 2026

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Listen to this guide

Your recovery toolkit

Free interactive tools to track your recovery day by day. Everything stays on your device — nothing is uploaded or shared.

Daily dashboardMeds, vitals & wound photos in one view Discharge packTurn discharge notes into a day-one plan Last-dose tracker“When can I take the next one?” Vitals trackerTemperature, heart rate, BP & oxygen Wound photo journalSame angle every day — spot changes early Pain trackerSpot the trend, share it with your GP

These tools support — never replace — the advice of your surgical team. If something feels wrong, contact your doctor or emergency services.

LASIK Eye Surgery Recovery

🧰 Your recovery toolkit

Your recovery toolkit