Complete LASIK recovery guide with daily timeline. Understand the healing process, when vision stabilizes, and what activities you can resume after refractive surgery.
LASIK Recovery Timeline
Understanding what to expect during LASIK recovery helps ensure optimal healing. Dr. Ahmed Sherif at Dar El Oyoun Hospital provides detailed post-operative care guidance.
Immediately After Surgery (0-2 Hours)
What You'll Experience
Mild burning, itching, or foreign body sensation
Watery eyes and light sensitivity
Blurry or hazy vision
Eyes may feel gritty
What to Do
Rest with eyes closed for 2-4 hours
Wear protective eye shields
Use prescribed eye drops as directed
Do NOT rub your eyes
Wear sunglasses outdoors
First 24 Hours
Vision Changes
Significant improvement in vision (often 20/40 or better)
Some haziness or fluctuation is normal
Night glare or halos around lights
Colors may appear brighter
Activities
✓ Can do:
Light activities at home
Watch TV or use phone (in moderation)
Sleep with protective eye shields
✗ Avoid:
Rubbing eyes
Getting water in eyes
Eye makeup
Strenuous exercise
Swimming or hot tubs
Dusty or smoky environments
Week 1: Initial Healing
Day 1 Post-Op Visit
Your follow-up at Dar El Oyoun includes:
Vision testing
Eye examination
Corneal flap assessment
Adjust medications if needed
Vision Progress
Most patients see 20/20 or better by week's end
Minor fluctuations throughout the day are normal
Night vision may still have glare
Daily Care
Use all prescribed eye drops religiously
Antibiotic drops (typically 4 times daily)
Anti-inflammatory drops (4 times daily)
Lubricating tears (as needed, often hourly)
Wear eye shields while sleeping for one week
Activities to Resume
Return to work (computer work with breaks)
Light exercise (walking)
Reading (with frequent breaks)
Showering (eyes closed, no direct water spray)
Continue Avoiding
Eye makeup
Contact sports
Swimming
Rubbing eyes
Dusty/dirty environments
Month 1: Stabilization
Vision Development
Vision continues to sharpen
Less fluctuation
Night vision improves
Dry eye symptoms decrease
Week 1 Visit
Comprehensive eye exam
Check healing progress
May reduce drop frequency
Activities
✓ Can resume:
Most normal activities
Light sports (jogging, cycling)
Eye makeup (fresh products only)
Driving at night (if vision meets requirements)
✗ Still avoid:
Contact sports
Swimming without goggles
Hot tubs and saunas
Months 1-3: Continued Improvement
Vision Refinement
Final visual acuity develops
Night vision continues improving
Dry eye symptoms typically resolve
Prescription stabilizes
Month 3 Visit
Final evaluation of surgical outcome
Determine if enhancement needed (rare)
Transition to maintenance care
3-6 Months: Full Healing
Most patients achieve:
Stable 20/20 vision or better
No dry eye symptoms
Excellent night vision
Complete corneal healing
Long-Term Care
Ongoing Eye Health
Annual comprehensive eye exams
UV protection with quality sunglasses
Lubricating drops as needed for dryness
Protect eyes from trauma
When to Call Dr. Sherif
Contact Dar El Oyoun immediately if you experience:
Severe pain
Sudden vision loss
Discharge or excessive redness
Flashing lights or new floaters
Any concerning symptoms
Success at Dar El Oyoun
With Dr. Ahmed Sherif's expertise:
98% of patients achieve 20/20 vision or better
Minimal complications
Comprehensive follow-up care
20+ years of surgical excellence
Recovery is unique to each individual. Follow Dr. Sherif's specific instructions for your optimal outcome.
Schedule your LASIK consultation at Dar El Oyoun Hospital in Sheikh Zayed or Dokki.
Ready for the Next Step?
Book your consultation with Dr. Ahmed Sherif at Dar El Oyoun Hospital
