Deciding to go ahead with LASIK is a big step. You have done your research, had your pre-op assessments, and finally taken the plunge, and now the procedure is done. But for many people, the hours immediately after surgery are the ones they feel least prepared for. The blurry vision and the strange sensation of not quite being sure what is happening with your sight can feel a little unsettling if you do not know what to expect.
Singapore has one of the highest rates of myopia in the world, with 83% of young adults in Singapore reported to be myopic according to the National University Hospital, which means laser eye surgery is an incredibly well-trodden path here. Thousands of Singaporeans have been through exactly what you are about to experience. The good news is that the first 24 hours, while a little uncomfortable for some, follow a fairly predictable pattern. This article walks you through the first 24 hours in detail. For everything that happens beyond day one, our clear recovery timeline from start to finish covers all subsequent stages of healing.
Right after the procedure: The first hour
The LASIK procedure itself takes only about 15 minutes per eye, but the first hour post-surgery is when most people notice the most immediate changes. Do not be alarmed if your vision is hazy or foggy straight away, as this is completely normal. The corneal flap that was created during surgery needs time to settle, and the eye is still adjusting to everything that has just happened.
You will likely experience:
- A mild burning or stinging sensation
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Watery eyes or a feeling of grittiness, as though there is something in your eye
- Fluctuating vision that may go from blurry to clearer and back again
Your surgeon will advise you to wear sunglasses so as to protect your eyes as you go home. You will be given protective eye shields to wear over your eyes as you rest on your bed. They are there to prevent you from accidentally rubbing your eyes, which is one of the most important things to avoid in the early hours after surgery.
You will be advised to quickly go home in a taxi or have someone drive you home. Once home, the best thing you can do is lie down and rest with your eyes closed.
Hours 2 to 6: Rest is your job now
This is not the time to scroll through your phone or catch up on a television series. The eyes need to be closed and resting. Many patients find that sleeping through this period is the most comfortable option, and it is honestly the best advice anyone can give you for the early afternoon or evening after your procedure.
During these hours, you may notice:
- Continued light sensitivity, making it uncomfortable to have bright lights on
- Mild tearing, which is the eye’s natural response to the procedure
- A heavy or tired feeling around the eyes
Use the prescribed eye drops as directed by your doctor. These typically include antibiotic drops to prevent infection, lubricating drops to manage dryness, and anti-inflammatory drops to reduce swelling. Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes under any circumstances. If there is a nagging sensation or itch, blink gently or use your lubricating drops instead.
Hours 6 to 12: Vision starts to settle
By the time you reach the six-hour mark, many patients start to notice a genuine improvement in their vision. It may not be perfectly clear yet, and there may still be some blurring, haloes around lights, or a slight starburst effect, especially in low-light conditions. This is a normal part of the healing process as the cornea begins to stabilise.
If you feel well enough to sit up and move around the house, that is fine. However, keep the following in mind:
- Avoid screens where possible. If you must use your phone, limit it to short periods
- Stay away from dusty or smoky environments
- Do not wear any eye makeup
- Keep water away from your eyes
Some people feel very little discomfort at this stage, while others may still have some achiness or sensitivity. Both are normal. Everyone heals at a slightly different pace.
The evening and overnight period: Protecting your eyes while you sleep
When it comes time to sleep, put your protective eye shields back on. Even if you are a still sleeper, the risk of accidentally pressing against your eye or rubbing it in your sleep is not worth taking. Most surgeons recommend wearing the shields for at least the first few nights, but the first night is especially important.
Take any pain relief your doctor has recommended if you are feeling discomfort, and try to get a full night of sleep. Your body does a significant amount of healing while you rest, and the eyes are no exception.
The morning after: Your day-one check
Most clinics will schedule a follow-up appointment for the morning after your procedure. This is a routine check to ensure your corneal flaps are sitting correctly, that there are no signs of infection, and that your vision is progressing as expected.
Many patients are genuinely surprised by how well they can see at this appointment. Vision one day after the surgery is often already significantly improved compared to how it was pre-surgery without glasses or contact lenses. It is not necessarily perfect yet, and there may still be some fluctuation and mild blurriness, but the change is often remarkable.
At your check-up, your doctor will also confirm your ongoing eye drop schedule and advise you on when you can start returning to normal activities such as driving, using screens for longer periods, and exercising.
A few things to keep in mind
The first 24 hours set the foundation for a smooth recovery. The most common reason people experience complications or slower healing is not following post-operative care instructions, particularly the temptation to rub the eyes or skip eye drops because things feel fine.
If at any point during the first 24 hours you experience severe pain (not just mild discomfort), a sudden and significant worsening of vision, or any unusual discharge from the eye, contact your doctor straight away. These are not typical parts of the healing process and should be reviewed promptly.
Conclusion
Knowing what to expect after LASIK makes the whole experience far less daunting. The first 24 hours are manageable, and for most patients, they are the beginning of a genuinely life-changing improvement in their vision.
If you are considering LASIK and would like to understand whether you are a suitable candidate, or if you simply have questions about the procedure and recovery, the team at Ava Eye Clinic is here to help. Contact us today to book a consultation, we would love to guide you through every step of the journey.