Recovery Time After Eyesight Correction Surgery
Eyesight correction surgery is often pursued in hopes of simplifying one’s life, helping one save time, or enhancing an active lifestyle. So, it only makes sense that recovery time be taken into the equation when trying to decide between photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), EVO Visian ICL, and LASIK.
Although each of these three types of eye surgery to correct vision have the same goal in mind, there are some key differences — recovery time being one of them. In this article, our vision correction experts at Eye Center of Texas in Houston explain what you can expect during recovery from the three most popular refractive surgeries.
How long does it take to heal from corrective eye surgery?
Each and every patient that receives eyesight correction surgery is a little bit different, and your recovery experience will be too. That said, you can improve your recovery by following your surgeons directions for care post-surgery.
LASIK recovery time
LASIK recovery time is typically around 24-48 hours, but you may be able to return to light activity after resting for 2-4 hours post operation. Immediately after surgery you may experience blurry vision, discomfort, and mild pain.During those first few days, you should avoid rubbing or irritating your eyes, strenuous activity, showering or swimming, wearing makeup, and wearing contact lenses even if you’re experiencing blurred vision. Which leads us to another common LASIK recovery question, “how long will my vision be blurry after LASIK?”
For most patients, vision begins to return to normal in the day following surgery, but it can take up to 2-3 months for vision to completely heal.
Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) recovery time
While LASIK uses a laser to create a flap in the cornea, PRK removes the top layer altogether in order to reshape the lower layers. As a result, recovery time for PRK surgery in Houston is a bit longer because you’ll need to give your cornea time to grow back. Patients will need to wear an eye bandage to protect the eye for at least 3-5 days and can expect to be fully recovered in 1-3 months.
EVO Visian ICL recovery time
Out of all of the types of eye surgery to correct vision, EVO Visian ICL has the shortest and easiest recovery. This is because a biocompatible lens is implanted in the eye through a small opening in the cornea versus completely removing a layer or creating a flap like in the LASIK procedure. Downtime for EVO Visian ICL is minimal and patients can generally return to normal activities within a couple of days.
Which eye corrective surgery is best?
Because PRK, EVO Visian ICL, and LASIK are all safe and effective ways to improve your vision, the best eye correction surgery for you will depend on factors such as your prescription, cornea health, whether you’re wanting a permanent solution, and the amount of time you’re able and willing to spend in recovery.
LASIK can help individuals with nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism achieve clear vision without the need for contacts or glasses. Additionally, for patients who already have dry eyes or a thin cornea, are looking to treat nearsightedness or nearsightedness with astigmatism, or who are not a good candidate for LASIK, ECO Visian ICL is a great alternative option. However, if you’re looking for a LASIK alternative to treat farsightedness and have dry eyes, your eye surgeon may suggest PRK instead.
You see that it can get complicated. To find out more about which refractive surgery is right for you, schedule an appointment with a skilled eye surgeon from Eye Center of Texas. They will be able to look at your unique circumstances and make a recommendation for surgery that will help you achieve your best possible vision.
Find your visual freedom with eyesight correction surgery in Houston!
Although recovery time for eyesight correction surgery varies, LASIK and EVO Visian ICL tend to be quicker, with PRK recovery time taking a bit longer. LASIK and EVO Visian ICL patients tend to experience clear vision fairly quickly, but patients after PRK surgery, due to its more invasive nature, can take 3-5 days before getting back on their feet.
If you are looking for the visual freedom that eye correction surgery can help you achieve, it’s important to learn about your options so that you can choose the best eye correction surgery for you. At Eye Center of Texas, our surgeons can help you do just that.
We offer our patients a range of options including PRK, EVO Visian ICL, and LASIK in Houston. With over 75,000 successful LASIK procedures, you can trust that your vision is in skilled (and steady) hands.
Take the first step to learning more about your options by calling us at 713-797-1010 or requesting an appointment online today!
More Helpful Articles by Eye Center of Texas:
- What Are The Three Types of Cataracts?
- How to Relieve Intolerance to Contact Lenses
- The Difference Between EVO Visian ICL and Toric ICL
- How to Find a Glaucoma Specialist in Houston
- The Best LASIK Alternatives For You
Related Articles
EVO Visian® ICL: The Latest in Vision Correction Surgery
Choosing to have vision correction surgery is a huge decision, but choosing the right vision correction surgery for you can be even more crucial. Although ophthalmologists have been developing vision correction procedures for many years, it seems as though there have been few options to help people fix common vision problems long-term … until now. In March of 2022, the long-awaited procedure said to “free patients from their glasses or contacts” gained FDA approval.
Meet EVO Visian® ICL, the latest in vision correction surgery that is clinically proven to correct common vision problems such as nearsightedness (myopia) and astigmatism using an FDA-approved implantable lens.
Eye Center of Texas is the first ophthalmologist practice to offer EVO Visian ICL in Houston, and our very own eye surgeons Dr. Edward Wade and Dr. Yasir Ahmed are some of the first doctors to provide the procedure to patients. We are here to help you to learn more about this groundbreaking procedure and see if it could be the right fit for your vision needs.
What makes EVO Visian ICL an innovative vision correction surgery?
- The procedure does not remove corneal tissue
Unlike traditional vision correction surgeries including LASIK and PRK, EVO Visian ICL does not remove the eye’s corneal tissue. Instead, your eye doctor will create a small opening in your cornea that is used to insert and position the lens. This technique is safer and more accurate, and will not give you dry eye syndrome post-surgery. What more could you ask for?
- The lens is made of natural materials
The EVO Visian ICL lens is made of biocompatible Collamer that contains a small amount of purified collagen, a protein responsible for skin elasticity that occurs naturally in the body. This implantable lens is completely natural and works in harmony with your natural eye shape and function. Collamer has unique characteristics that make it an ideal solution for correcting your vision, including:
- Compatible with your natural eye
- Soft and flexible feeling
- Not visible once placed
- Protective against harmful UV rays
- Provides better night vision
- The lens is removable
Typically, vision correction surgery can be a big commitment due to its permanency. However, the EVO ICL lens can be removed by your doctor at any time, giving you flexibility should you choose to have cataract surgery later on. You can keep the lens in for clearer, sharper vision day and night, or have them removed. The choice is completely yours.
Is ICL surgery better than LASIK?
Now that EVO Visian ICL is available to patients, many are wondering “is ICL surgery better than LASIK?” If you’re choosing between ICL vs. LASIK, do note that there are pros and cons to both corrective surgeries. One is not innately better than the other.
However, there are some factors that make ICL more accessible to patients. For example, ICL is a better option for patients who have thin corneas, which can prevent someone from becoming a candidate for LASIK in Houston. The ICL lens is also removable, whereas LASIK surgery is permanent. On the other hand, LASIK can also correct farsightedness where EVO Visian ICL cannot.
When making big decisions related to your vision, you should always consult with your ophthalmologist, they will know which vision correction surgery is more suitable for you and your needs.
What is the success rate of ICL surgery?
According to many sources, the ICL procedure has a success rate of 99% with most patients experiencing almost immediate results, quick recovery time, and minimal downtime. The entire procedure takes 20-30 minutes and is virtually painless due to the numbing eye drops received before the surgery begins. This is all it takes for you to say goodbye to your glasses or contacts forever!
Eye Center of Texas is now offering the EVO Visian ICL vision correction surgery to patients
EVO Visian ICL is the latest in vision correction surgery. This groundbreaking and natural implantable lens can allow you to throw away your glasses or contacts and embrace a life of clearer, sharper vision in just 20-30 minutes. Eye Center of Texas is proud to be the first in Houston to offer this procedure to its patients. If you have any questions regarding EVO Visian ICL, our eye surgeons Dr. Wade and Dr. Ahmed will be happy to assist you. Call us at 713-797-1010 or request an appointment online today to try this new lens-based vision solution for yourself.
More Helpful Articles by Eye Center of Texas:
- When to See an Ophthalmologist for Eye Disease Diagnosis
- Do You Really Need an Annual Eye Exam?
- What Are The Signs of Cataracts in Women?
- Common Eye Problems in the Winter
- When To See an Eye Doctor
Related Articles
Financing Options Available
Apply today to find a financing option that meets your needs.
Our Locations
Houston/Bellaire
6565 W. Loop S., Suite 650Bellaire, TX 77401
Medical Office:
713-797-1010
Medical Fax:
713-357-7276
LASIK/Near Vision:
Office: 713-395-1515
Fax: 713-357-7278
Pasadena
4415 Crenshaw RoadPasadena, TX 77504
Medical Office:
281-977-8800
Medical Fax:
281-977-8877
Sugar land
15400 S.W. Freeway, Suite 301Sugar Land, TX 77478
Medical Office:
281-277-1010
Medical Fax:
281-277-4504
Clear Lake
455 E. Medical Center Blvd., Suite 110Webster, TX 77598
Medical Office:
281-332-1397
Medical Fax:
281-282-9152
Katy
Greenhouse Medical Plaza2051 Greenhouse Road, Suite 110
Houston, TX 77084
Medical Office:
713-797-1010
Medical Fax:
713-357-7276
The Woodlands/Conroe
100 Medical Center Blvd., Suite 118Conroe, TX 77304
Medical Office:
713-797-1010
Medical Fax:
936-647-1620