Valley Laser Eye Centre Logo in White
Book a Consultation

LASIK Surgery: What You Can Expect After the Procedure

If you’re thinking of getting LASIK surgery, knowing how it works is important. However, many are unaware of what to expect after the surgery, and this is what we’re going to discuss in this post.

This blog post does not replace medical advice and should not be implemented prior to consulting a fully certified medical professional.

Right After the Procedure

As soon as you open your eyes after the surgery, expect an immediate improved vision. However, not everything will be clear, but your new vision will be pretty amazing immediately after the surgery.

Within a few hours, you will notice your vision becoming clearer. In fact, you can drive after 24 hours. However, your eyes will take a bit longer to fully heal from the surgery, which usually takes six months.

The First 24 Hours

Within 24 hours of your surgery, your vision will improve significantly, but it will be a bit foggy. However, it will improve in an hour or so. Since you are not allowed to drive within the first 24 hours, you need someone to drive you home. Also, your eyes will be covered with protective eye shields to protect them from injury. Your eyes will be more sensitive to light at this point.

The Day After

The day after your surgery, you will return to the clinic for a post-op check. Ensure not to miss this because it’s crucial your doctor closely monitors the healing process and ensures that everything’s going as planned.

Your doctor will remove your eye shield and test your vision. The improvements following your surgery will also be noted. If you’re experiencing any unusual symptoms or have any questions or concerns, please bring that up to your doctor. After the initial post-op check, your next visit will be after a week.

The First Few Weeks

Your eyes will be working hard to heal during the first few days following the surgery; therefore, you will be asked to avoid reading and instead, focus on resting your eyes. You should also avoid eye makeup and any cosmetic products applied to the eyes. Also, you will be advised to avoid using facial products or hair colouring for at least 36 hours following your LASIK surgery.

You won’t be allowed to swim or go in a hot tub for at least a week after your surgery. It’s also crucial you avoid dusty environments to prevent infections.

Whenever you go outdoors, you will need to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the glare of the sun and UV rays. This is also when you would notice that you are more sensitive to light.

After a week, you don’t need to wear your protective eye shield for sleep, and most likely, you can resume your workouts again. Still, avoid contact sports or weightlifting until you have reached your one month.

The Following Months

It may take 3-6 months for your vision to be stable, so you’re expected to go to the clinic during this time to check your progress. During this time, expect to experience glare, halos, starbursts, and other symptoms that may take longer to resolve.

Conclusion

Knowing what to expect after your LASIK surgery is important. The more informed you are, the more confident you would feel about it. Getting a LASIK surgery is nothing to worry about, especially if you receive the procedure in a trusted clinic.

Schedule your laser eye surgery in Abbotsford, BC with Valley Laser Eye Centre. We only use state-of-the-art technology to deliver the best eye care to our patients. Contact us today!

Share:

Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
LinkedIn

Related Posts

reading glasses on top of a book

Why Are Reading Glasses No Longer Enough for Me?

If you have reached a point where reading glasses are scattered throughout your home, car, and workplace, you are not alone. Many people begin using reading glasses in their early to mid-40s and initially find them helpful. Over time, however, those same glasses may feel less effective. You might notice that small print is still blurry, your eyes fatigue quickly, or you need stronger prescriptions more often than expected.

At Valley Laser Eye Centre, we hear this concern daily. Patients often ask why a simple pair of readers no longer solves the problem and whether this means something is wrong with their eyes. The reassuring answer is that this experience is a normal part of how the eye ages. The more important question is whether relying on reading glasses alone still fits your lifestyle, comfort, and long-term vision goals.

an older woman getting her eyes checked

PRK Recovery Is Slower but More Stable Long Term

If you are researching vision correction, you may have noticed that PRK recovery is often described as slower than other laser procedures. For some people, that alone can feel discouraging. Slower recovery can sound inconvenient, uncomfortable, or risky.

At Valley Laser Eye Centre, we see this concern every day. Patients want clarity, not marketing promises. The reality is that PRK recovery is slower by design, and that slower healing process is exactly what gives PRK its reputation for excellent long-term stability, predictability, and corneal safety.

optometrist examining a patients eye

Why Cheap Vision Correction Can Cost More in the Long Run

When people begin exploring vision correction, one of the first questions they ask is often about price. Online advertisements for discounted laser eye surgery, limited-time promotions, or “all-inclusive” low-cost packages can seem appealing, especially for those who have worn glasses or contact lenses for years and want a fast solution.

At Valley Laser Eye Centre, we understand that cost matters. Vision correction is both a medical decision and a financial one. However, when price becomes the primary deciding factor, patients can unknowingly expose themselves to higher long-term costs, greater risk, and lasting vision compromises.