Back to All Insights

Recovery Time After Vision Correction Surgery: Compare Your Options

May 29th, 2021
recovery time after lasik surgery for exercise

If you’re looking for a more permanent solution for refractive errors, it’s important to learn about your options and choose the procedure that is best for you. Many people choose to undergo corrective eye surgery to simplify their routine or enhance an active lifestyle, so it makes sense that recovery time is a major factor when choosing LASIK surgery, PRK, or Visian ICL™.
The eye care specialists at Kleiman Evangelista Eye Centers in Texas share the recovery process for our available treatment options.

Comparing LASIK, PRK, and Visian ICL Recovery

Keep in mind that every patient is unique, so your individual experience with recovery after a corrective eye surgery may vary. You can increase your chances of a quick recovery and a good outcome by following all of your eye doctor’s aftercare instructions.

1. LASIK Recovery

LASIK eye surgery improves vision by reshaping the cornea. Immediately after surgery, patients often experience some discomfort, mild pain, and blurry vision. The immediate recovery period for LASIK typically lasts up to 24 hours, with many patients able to return to work the day after surgery. Although many patients will be able to see 20/20 or close to 20/20 the day after surgery, the vision continues to clear over the course of approximately one week. Patients with physically demanding jobs may be given a recommendation to take time off from work.
Your LASIK surgeon will advise you to avoid certain activities, such as strenuous exercise or swimming, for several weeks after your procedure.
Learn more about the full LASIK recovery process.

2. Visian ICL Recovery

Visian ICL (Implantable Collamer® Lens) is an innovative vision correction procedure in which a biocompatible lens is implanted in the eye through a tiny opening in the cornea. Visian ICL can improve mild to severe myopia (prescriptions between –3D and –20D for nearsightedness) and astigmatism (within a range of 1.0D and 4.0D). Visian ICL is often an option for many patients who are not candidates for LASIK due to thin corneas, high correction prescriptions, or dry eye concerns.

Recovery after your doctor implants a Visian ICL lens is typically quick, with most patients resuming regular activities within 1 week after the procedure. Patients love that there is minimal downtime needed. Unlike LASIK or PRK, Visian ICL can also be removed or replaced, if needed.

Learn more about Visian ICL.

3. PRK Recovery

PRK (Photo-Refractive Keratectomy) is often seen as a traditional LASIK alternative because it can be performed on patients who cannot have LASIK simply due to thin corneas. Like LASIK, vision improvement is achieved by permanently reshaping the cornea. The difference is that instead of using a laser to create a flap on the cornea, PRK involves gently removing tissue from the outermost layer.

Patients are required to wear a bandage contact lens to protect the eye for 3-5 days while the tissue grows back, during which they will likely experience some discomfort. Special eye drops are required for up to a month after surgery. Visual recovery time is longer than LASIK. Although patients will notice an improvement in vision within a day after surgery, it takes 3 to 4 weeks before 20/20 vision is achieved.

Find Your Visual Freedom at Kleiman Evangelista

Take the first step to better vision by learning more about your corrective eye surgery options. Schedule your free consultation to determine whether you are a LASIK candidate and find your visual freedom.