Recovery & Aftercare: Back to Life in the Blink of an Eye ⏱️✨
“How much time will I need off work?”
“Will it hurt?”
These are the most common questions we hear. The good news is that modern laser vision correction is designed for speed. Thanks to our advanced Ziemer Z8 (low-energy laser) and Schwind Amaris technology, tissue trauma is minimized, leading to a recovery that is measured in hours, not weeks.
Most of our LASIK and CLEAR patients wake up the next morning with legal driving vision and return to their normal lives immediately. Here is what your recovery timeline looks like. 📅
The Recovery Timeline: Hour by Hour ⏳
1. Immediately After Surgery (The “Fog”) 🌫️
Vision: Your vision will be blurry, like looking through a steamy shower door or underwater. This is normal.
Sensation: As the numbing drops wear off (about 30 mins later), your eyes may feel watery, gritty, or sensitive to light.
Action: Do not drive. Have a friend or family member drive you home. Keep your eyes closed as much as possible in the car.
2. The First 6 Hours (The Healing Nap) 😴
The Secret: The best medicine is sleep. We strongly recommend taking a 4-hour nap as soon as you get home.
Protection: Wear the clear protective eye shields we provide to prevent accidental rubbing while you sleep.
Result: When you wake up from this nap, the “gritty” feeling is usually gone, and your vision will already be significantly clearer.
3. The Next Morning (The “Wow” Moment) ☀️
Vision: Most patients wake up seeing 20/20 or very close to it. You will likely see your alarm clock clearly for the first time in years!
Check-up: You will come in for a quick 15-minute post-op check to ensure the flap/cornea is healing perfectly.
Driving: 98% of patients are cleared to drive immediately after this appointment.
Procedure Differences: LASIK vs. PRK vs. Lens ⚖️
Recovery varies slightly depending on your personalized treatment plan:
| Procedure | Visual Recovery | Return to Work/Driving | Comfort Level |
| LASIK / CLEAR | Immediate (Next Day). | 24 Hours. ⚡ | Mild discomfort for 4-6 hours. |
| ICL / RLE | Fast (1-2 Days). | 24-48 Hours. | Very mild. |
| PRK | Gradual (1-2 Weeks). | 4-6 Days. | Moderate sensitivity for 3 days. |
The Do’s and Don’ts of Aftercare ✅🚫
To ensure the best laser eye surgery results, follow these simple rules for the first week:
✅ DO: Use your prescribed antibiotic and lubricating drops exactly as directed.
✅ DO: Wear sunglasses when outside (even on cloudy days) to protect from UV light.
✅ DO: Shower normally (from the neck down) after 24 hours.
🚫 DON’T: Rub your eyes. (This is the most important rule for 2 weeks).
🚫 DON’T: Wear eye makeup (mascara/liner) for 1 week.
🚫 DON’T: Swim in pools, hot tubs, or lakes for 2 weeks to prevent infection. 🏊♂️
Traveling Patients: Planning Your Trip (Saskatoon & Beyond) 🚗
If you are visiting us from Saskatoon, Moose Jaw, or rural Saskatchewan, here is the ideal plan:
Surgery Day: Arrive in Regina. Have your procedure. Stay the night in a local hotel (we can recommend nearby options).
Next Morning: Attend your quick follow-up appointment at our clinic.
Drive Home: Most LASIK/CLEAR patients are cleared to drive themselves back home on Highway 11 immediately after the check-up!
Future Checks: We can often co-manage your 1-week and 1-month check-ups with your local eye doctor in Saskatoon, saving you the trip.
We Are Always Here For You 📞
Recovery doesn’t end when you leave the clinic. We provide you with a 24/7 emergency contact number.
If you experience sudden pain or vision changes, our team is just a phone call away.
Ready for a recovery that’s faster than a weekend getaway?