Your Recovery Timeline: A Day-by-Day Guide

One of the main benefits of Wavelight Plus InnovEyes is its rapid recovery period. While every patient’s healing journey is unique, this timeline outlines the typical experience.

The First 24 Hours: Rest is Your Top Priority

Immediately after surgery, your vision may be blurry or hazy, which is completely normal. Your primary focus during this initial period is to go home and rest.

• Immediately After Surgery: You will be given protective eye shields or goggles. It is crucial to wear these as instructed, especially while sleeping, to prevent accidentally rubbing or putting pressure on your eyes.
  
  
• Symptoms: You might experience mild discomfort, sensitivity to light, and a gritty or watery sensation in your eyes. These symptoms are temporary and usually subside within a few hours. Your surgeon will prescribe eye drops to manage discomfort, prevent infection, and aid healing.
  
  
• Actions:
  • Rest with your eyes closed as much as possible.
  • Avoid all screen time (TV, phone, computer).
  • Do not rub your eyes.
  • Follow your prescribed eye drop schedule diligently.
    
    

The First Week: Rapid Visual Improvement

The first week is when you will notice the most significant improvements in your vision. Many patients achieve vision that is good enough for driving by their first follow-up appointment, often the day after surgery.

• 24-48 Hours: Your vision will become progressively clearer. Most people can return to non-strenuous work and daily activities within a day or two. Continue to use your medicated eye drops as prescribed.
  
  
• Activities to Avoid:
  • Do not wear eye makeup.
  • Avoid getting soap or water directly in your eyes when showering.
  • Stay away from dusty or smoky environments.
  • No swimming pools, hot tubs, or saunas.
  • Avoid strenuous exercise and contact sports.
    
    

Weeks 2-4: Stabilisation and Continued Healing

Your vision will continue to stabilise and sharpen during this period. While you will be functioning normally, your eyes are still healing internally.

• Visual Fluctuations: It’s common to experience minor fluctuations in vision clarity, especially when tired or after prolonged screen use. This is a normal part of the healing process.
  
  
• Dry Eyes: Some patients experience dry eyes, which can be managed effectively with lubricating eye drops (artificial tears). Your surgeon will advise you on the best type to use.
  
  
• Returning to Activities: You can typically resume most exercises, but it is wise to continue wearing protective eyewear for contact sports. You can also start wearing eye makeup again, but be sure to use new products to minimise infection risk.
  
  

1-3 Months Post-Surgery: Nearing Full Recovery

By the end of the first month, your eyes are well on their way to being fully healed. Your vision should be stable and clear.

• Follow-up Appointments: You will have follow-up appointments to monitor your progress. These check-ups are essential to ensure your eyes are healing as expected.
  
  
• Final Vision: Your final visual outcome will become apparent during this time. Night vision disturbances like halos or glare, which can be present in the early weeks, will have significantly diminished or disappeared entirely.
  
  
• Long-Term Care: Continue to protect your eyes from UV light by wearing sunglasses outdoors. This is good practice for everyone, but especially important after laser eye surgery.
  
  

Recovery Timeline Summary Table