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One of the most common, and first asked, questions about LASIK eye surgery is, “What will happen after my surgery?” We understand that recovery time is a primary concern of our patients, so we have detailed the list of instructions that we give each patient to follow after their laser eye surgery. We want our patients in Greater Cleveland to be as best prepared for the LASIK surgery experience and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) surgery as possible.

LASIK Post-Operative Instructions

  • The most important post-LASIK surgery instruction: Do not rub your eyes!
  • On your surgery day, you will be given a LASIK post-operative eye drop schedule. In the hours and days following your surgery, you should follow this schedule precisely.
  • Immediately after your surgery, you should keep your eyes closed and try to sleep for three to four hours. For the first four days and nights following your LASIK surgery, wear the eye shields or goggles provided by LASIK Vision Centers of Cleveland.
  • You may experience a temporary burning sensation in your eyes for the couple of hours immediately following your laser eye surgery. This is normal and will subside.
  • When showering after your surgery, be sure to close your eyes while washing your hair and face, and specifically avoid rubbing around your eyes or eyelids.
  • There are several recommended restrictions in the days following your LASIK surgery. Those include:
  • Avoid heavy exertion for the first few days.
  • Avoid excessive alcohol for the first few days.
  • Do not swim in pools, lakes, or the ocean for one week.
  • Do not use a hot tub for three to five days.

PRK Post-Operative Instructions

Many of the post-operative instructions for patients undergoing PRK surgery are similar to those undergoing LASIK surgery.

  • Do not rub your eyes!
  • On your surgery day, you will be given a PRK post-operative eye drop schedule. In the hours and days following your surgery, you should follow this schedule precisely.
  • Immediately after your surgery, you should keep your eyes closed and try to sleep for three to four hours. For the first four days and nights following your PRK procedure, wear the eye shields or goggles provided by LASIK Vision Centers of Cleveland (LVC).
  • Your eyes may be scratchy and irritated for several days. This is normal for the first three to four days following PRK surgery.
  • It is also normal to experience light sensitivity and hazy vision. Recovery time varies for each patient.
  • Do not attempt to remove the bandage contact lens. This will be done at your post-operative visit at LVC.
  • When showering after the procedure, be sure to close your eyes while washing your hair and face, and specifically avoid rubbing around your eyes or eyelids.
  • There are several recommended restrictions in the days following your PRK surgery. Those include:
  • Avoid heavy exertion for the first few days.
  • Avoid excessive alcohol for the first few days.
  • Avoid wearing eye makeup for a few days.
  • Do not swim in pools, lakes, or the ocean for three weeks.
  • Do not use a hot tub for two weeks.

If you have questions about either LASIK surgery or PRK surgery post-operative instructions, please give our team a call. We are happy to answer your questions and provide additional information.

See What Cleveland Is Saying

About Lasik Vision Centers of Cleveland

TJ Ward World Champion Pro Football Player

"Thanks to the staff at LASIK Vision Centers of Cleveland and Dr. Eippert for providing excellent and professional care to improve my vision on and off the field."

Jessica Bocian

"LVC is amazing. The customer service they provide is wonderful and I highly recommend them to anyone in need of Lasik."

Jessica McHugh

"My experience at LVC was wonderful! Every staff member was wonderful, nice and kind, and they all made the LASIK experience smooth and comfortable. I am so happy with my new vision thanks to Dr. Eippert and LVC!"

Samantha Arotzarena

"I was referred to LVC by my eye doctor, and I am so glad he partnered with this amazing team. Everyone in the office is extremely helpful and very caring. Dr. Eippert is an amazing surgeon and is very clear on what he needs from you as a patient. He took the time to call me after my surgery to make sure I was still doing ok. LVC has top-of-the-line equipment which makes for an easy and painless surgery. I have recommended LVC to all my friends and relatives looking to get Lasik. I would not go anywhere else!"

Terry Stebbins

"My experience with Lasik Vision Centers of Cleveland was amazing! They did a great job of keeping me informed before, during, and after the surgery. The doctor even called me that evening after the surgery to check on me and make sure I was doing well. I can now see my clock when I wake up in the morning. I'm thrilled with the results and would highly recommend LVC of Cleveland."

Lynne Joiner

"I had my Lasik eye surgery done last Friday. The staff was friendly and helpful. Dr Eippert and the staff made me feel comfortable and at ease. My surgery was quick and I didn't feel any pain or discomfort. I was given aftercare instructions which I followed exactly; I'm glad I had this surgery. Absolutely nothing to be worried about. Thanks Lasik Vision Centers of Cleveland."