How Long Does Blurred Vision Normally Last After LASIK?

October 8th, 2020
woman getting eye surgery

If you’ve recently undergone LASIK surgery or are considering this trusted procedure, you’ll want to know what to expect and whether what you’re experiencing is normal. Although this corrective eye surgery lasts only 15 minutes and has a relatively quick recovery time, some fluctuations in your vision may have you questioning: “how long is it normal for my blurred vision to last after LASIK?”

While it is true that you begin experiencing clearer vision within the 24 to 48 hours immediately following your procedure, it is also true that your eyes will continue healing and adjusting for three to six months — hence, your occasional blurred vision. In fact, you may even encounter several other normal side effects after LASIK that will subside as you recover. Continue reading to learn about expected LASIK side effects, including blurred vision, and put your mind at ease about the recovery process.

Why is My Vision Blurry After LASIK?

Like any cut, scrape, or bruise, your LASIK incision will need time to heal. The procedure involves making an opening, which causes expected trauma to your eyes. As such, the area may be inflamed or irritated as it heals, further impacting your vision. In the same way, corrective eye surgery reshapes your cornea, so your eyes may appear blurry as it adjusts.

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, you could experience these spurts of blurry vision for weeks to months following your surgery. Keep in mind that depending on your pre-surgical vision, your LASIK recovery may take much longer. For example, if you had an extremely strong prescription, it may take the full six months —or longer— until you achieve maximum clarity.

Other Normal LASIK Side Effects

In the days, weeks, and months following your procedure, you may notice a range of symptoms during the recovery process which are completely normal depending on your stage of recovery:

  • Redness, especially in the immediate hours following your procedure
  • Light sensitivity or glare/halo effect around lights
  • Puffy eyelids
  • Excessive tearing
  • Discomfort or mild pain
  • Dry eyes
  • Itchiness or foreign body sensation

These are general side effects that may occur intermittently, although you may not experience them at all. Some LASIK clients find success by taking a nap or resting their eyes during flare-ups to allow the discomfort to pass.

Tips for Proper Healing After Corrective Eye Surgery

Fortunately, the experienced staff at Kleiman Evangelista Eye Centers has anticipated these side effects and knows the steps you can take to reduce the discomfort:

  • Do not rub your eyes, as this can dislodge the flap and cause pain.
  • Use the eye drops provided by your doctor to decrease discomfort, infection, and dry eye symptoms.
  • Avoid dust, smoke, and other small particles that irritate the eyes
  • Steer clear of pools, hot tubs, and other bodies of water, like oceans and lakes that may cause infection
  • Wear the eye shields, sunglasses and other protective wear recommended by your surgeon.

LASIK has an extremely high success rate, so your blurry vision is rarely stemming from complications. Nevertheless, it is important to maintain your follow-up appointments — beginning the day after your surgery — to ensure proper and natural healing.

So, if you’ve received LASIK during the last few months and are still experiencing a little blurriness, don’t worry! But if you still can’t shake the feeling, the trained professionals at Kleiman Evangelista Eye Centers are here to offer advice and support for the best recovery.

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