The LASIK procedure itself takes only about ten to fifteen minutes. But the quality and longevity of your results depend on something that lasts far longer: how well you care for your eyes afterward. Good aftercare isn’t complicated, but it does matter enormously. The patients who follow their instructions closely tend to heal smoothly, comfortably, and with the best possible outcome.
Think of it this way: your surgeon is responsible for the procedure, and you’re responsible for the healing. This guide covers everything you need to know to protect your investment — the essential do’s and don’ts, a timeline of what to expect, and the warning signs that mean you should call your clinic.
Why aftercare matters so much
Immediately after LASIK, your corneal flap is healing and your eyes are in a sensitive, recovering state. During this window, the right care supports smooth healing, keeps you comfortable, and reduces the risk of complications, while the wrong actions — most notably rubbing your eyes — can disrupt the flap or introduce infection. The good news is that the rules are simple and the sensitive period is relatively short. Follow them, and you give yourself the best chance at the excellent, stable vision LASIK is known for.
The golden rule: don’t rub your eyes
If you remember only one thing from this article, make it this: do not rub your eyes, especially in the first days and weeks. In the early healing period, the corneal flap is still settling into place, and rubbing can dislodge or wrinkle it. Your eyes may feel dry, itchy, or scratchy during recovery — that’s normal — but the answer is lubricating drops, never your knuckles. Many clinics provide protective shields to wear while sleeping precisely so you don’t rub your eyes unconsciously overnight.
Your aftercare do’s
Here’s what to actively do to support healthy healing:
- Use your prescribed eye drops exactly as directed. You’ll typically be given medicated drops (to prevent infection and inflammation) and lubricating drops (for dryness). Follow the schedule precisely, even if your eyes feel fine.
- Rest your eyes right after surgery. A good nap in the first hours lets the flap settle and dramatically reduces initial discomfort.
- Wear your protective shields as instructed, particularly while sleeping.
- Wear sunglasses outdoors to ease light sensitivity and protect your eyes from UV and wind — useful year-round in Calgary.
- Take screen breaks. Staring at screens reduces blinking and worsens dryness. The 20-20-20 rule helps: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- Attend every follow-up appointment, even if your vision feels perfect. These visits confirm you’re healing as expected and catch any issue early.
- Keep your eyes clean and avoid irritants, following your surgeon’s guidance on washing your face and hair.
Your aftercare don’ts
Equally important is what to avoid during the healing period:
- Don’t rub your eyes (the golden rule, worth repeating).
- Don’t swim or use hot tubs for the period your surgeon specifies — pools, lakes, and hot tubs can harbour bacteria.
- Don’t wear eye makeup until you’re cleared, as it can introduce particles and bacteria near the healing surface.
- Don’t expose your eyes to dust, smoke, or dirty environments early in recovery.
- Don’t skip or stop your drops early, even if your eyes feel normal.
- Don’t drive until your surgeon confirms your vision meets the legal standard and you’re cleared to do so.
- Don’t jump straight back into strenuous activity or contact sports — ease back in on your surgeon’s timeline.
A simple aftercare timeline
While every eye heals a little differently, here’s a general rhythm. For a fuller day-by-day breakdown, see our LASIK recovery timeline.
- First few hours: rest and sleep; expect blurriness, watering, and light sensitivity.
- Day 1: dramatically improved vision for most; begin your drop schedule; first follow-up often within a day or two.
- First week: vision sharpens; keep up drops and screen breaks; avoid rubbing, swimming, and makeup; most return to desk work within a day or two.
- Weeks 2–4: night-time glare and dryness diminish; gradually resume activities as cleared.
- Months 1–6: vision reaches its final, stable result; attend scheduled follow-ups.
Managing dry eyes — the most common companion of recovery
Temporary dryness is the most common LASIK side effect, and it’s usually very manageable. Lubricating (artificial tear) drops are your best friend during this period. Staying hydrated, using a humidifier at home — helpful in Calgary’s dry climate — and taking regular screen breaks all reduce dryness. For the large majority of patients, dryness steadily improves over the weeks following surgery. We cover the wider safety picture in Is LASIK Safe?
Warning signs: when to call your clinic
Most recoveries are smooth, but you should contact your clinic promptly if you experience:
- Severe or worsening pain (beyond the mild irritation of normal healing).
- A sudden drop or significant change in vision.
- Increasing redness, discharge, or signs of infection.
- Any sense that the flap may have shifted, for example after accidental eye trauma or rubbing.
These situations are uncommon, but early attention matters, which is another reason to choose a clinic with strong follow-up care. For neutral background on healing and what to watch for, the U.S. FDA’s LASIK program and the American Academy of Ophthalmology are trustworthy resources, and the Canadian Ophthalmological Society offers guidance for Canadian patients.
Protecting your results for the long term
Beyond the immediate recovery window, a few lifelong habits keep your eyes healthy: protect them from UV with quality sunglasses, continue routine eye exams, and stay attentive to any changes in your vision. Remember that LASIK doesn’t stop the natural aging of the eye — you may still develop presbyopia or, eventually, cataracts — so ongoing eye care remains important throughout your life. At Clarity Laser Vision in Calgary, post-operative support is part of the package, so you’re never navigating recovery alone. Small, consistent habits in the weeks after surgery pay dividends for years — the effort is modest, and the reward is the durable, dependable vision you invested in.
Aftercare for specific situations
General aftercare applies to everyone, but a few common situations call for extra attention.
If you work at a screen all day. Screen time reduces your blink rate, which worsens the dryness that’s already common after LASIK. Be diligent with lubricating drops, apply the 20-20-20 rule religiously, and ease back into long screen sessions rather than diving into a full workday immediately. A humidifier at your desk can help, especially in Calgary’s dry air.
If you’re a longtime contact lens wearer. After years of handling contacts, some people instinctively touch or rub their eyes. Be conscious of breaking that habit during recovery — your corneal flap needs you to keep your hands away.
If you’re active or play sports. Ease back in on your surgeon’s timeline. Light exercise often resumes within days, but swimming, contact sports, and dusty or high-impact activities require longer and may call for protective eyewear once you’re cleared.
If you live with Calgary’s dry climate year-round. Our low humidity — indoors in winter especially — can prolong the dryness phase. Lean on lubricating drops, hydration, and humidifiers, and mention persistent dryness at your follow-ups so it can be managed.
Tailoring these details to your own life makes recovery smoother and protects your result. Above all, remember that aftercare instructions exist because they work. They’re not arbitrary restrictions but the accumulated wisdom of countless successful recoveries — and following them closely is the surest way to enjoy the clear, stable vision you had the procedure for in the first place.
Frequently asked questions
When can I rub my eyes again? Avoid rubbing entirely during early healing. Your surgeon will advise when it’s safe, but building a long-term habit of gentle treatment is wise regardless.
How long do I need to use eye drops? Medicated drops are used for a defined course; lubricating drops may be used longer as needed for dryness. Follow your surgeon’s specific schedule.
When can I wear makeup again? Usually after the first week or two, once your surgeon clears you. Introducing makeup too early risks irritation and infection.
When can I swim or exercise? Light activity often resumes within days, but swimming, hot tubs, and contact sports take longer. Follow your surgeon’s timeline.
What if my eyes feel dry for weeks? Some dryness for several weeks is normal and manageable with lubricating drops. It steadily improves for the vast majority of patients; mention any persistent dryness at your follow-ups.
Set yourself up for the best possible result
Great LASIK outcomes are a partnership between an excellent procedure and diligent aftercare. If you’re considering LASIK and want to understand exactly what recovery and aftercare involve, book a consultation with Clarity Laser Vision in Calgary — we’ll guide you through every stage.
This article is for general educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Always follow the specific aftercare instructions provided by your own eye surgeon.
