How long will I need to take off work after laser eye surgery?

Your eyes have an amazing defence system and significant healing prowess. They effectively filter out dust and dirt, heal scratches within a matter of hours, and recover and adapt to the adjustments made during laser eye surgery in a very short space time. This means the time off work you require post-op is minimal.

If you have questions about laser eye surgery and the options that are available for you, please call us on 0203 369 2020, or request a call back.

Initial laser eye surgery consultation

Your initial consultation can take up to 2 hours to allow us to accurately map and measure your eyes. Doing this allows us to make the most accurate recommendation to you we possibly can about the treatments available to you based on the unique characteristics of your eyes. It is important to note that during this consultation we often need to use eye drops to dilate your pupils, these eye drops can make your vision slightly blurry and your eyes more light sensitive. You can return to work after your consultation but you should avoid driving for at least 4 hours because of the effect the dilating eye drops have on your eye sight.

The day of the surgery

You will need to take the day of your surgery off from work and after your procedure we recommend you take some time off, however the length of time will vary person to person. We will assess your recovery rate to give you a more accurate and personal time scale but as a rough guide we suggest you allow at least 24-48 hours, however some people need up to a week off work to adjust to their new eyesight.

Aftercare appointments

After your surgery there are 2 aftercare appointments you must attend, these follow-ups usually take around 15 minutes and are very important. The first appointment is the day after your surgery and the second is 3 months following your treatment.

Laser eye surgery healing process

Your eyes start healing immediately after your surgery and the initial healing occurs very rapidly meaning the majority of patients get back on their feet with their new and improved vision in as little as 24 hours. By this time they are getting back to their usual routines; driving again, reading, using smartphones and returning to work. However, you do need to be aware that it is fully normal to experience some blurred vision or fluctuations in your vision for several weeks, and sometimes even months, following your surgery.

If you have undergone LASEK it is likely you may have to have a little longer off work, with most people returning after 5 to 7 days. Generally, you may feel able to go back to work before this time but there are special precautions that need to be taken to ensure a smooth and steady recovery after your operation.

What makes our laser eye surgery unique?

Treatment tailored for you

You are always at the centre of everything we do. We do not offer a one size fits all approach but rather customise every single treatment to your individual visual needs, so you’ll always get the best procedure for your eyes and your vision

The choice for healthcare professionals

Our surgeons are known the world over and are some of the best in the country, with over 30,000 completed surgeries between them. We treat many surgeons, doctors and anaesthetists who also refer their friends and family to us as they know they will be in safe hands with our expert surgeons.

State of the art technology

We have spared no expense. Eye surgery requires perfect precision, that’s why we have invested in only the latest and most advanced technology. We are not tied into any particular company or manufacturer which means we have complete freedom to chose the best from the many options
available.

Experts you can trust

Patients need to be able to trust us with their eyes. We are honest with our approach and offer the very best evidence-based treatment with your best interests always at heart. We pride ourselves on recruiting and retaining the best staff in the business to ensure that you are supported throughout every step of your journey.