When can I go back to work after LASIK?

The Academy says that in most cases you can return to work, as well as drive, the day after the procedure. The FDA takes a slightly more cautious line, saying you should plan to take a few days to recover, take time off to take it easy for a couple of days if necessary, and plan on taking a few days off from work until the early symptoms subside. The Refractive Surgery Council, a secondary industry source, puts it at 1 to 3 days for most occupations.

Which end of that range fits you depends on the job. Desk and screen work is limited by dryness and fluctuating focus rather than safety. The FDA says vision may fluctuate during the first few months and that early symptoms include light sensitivity, glare, starbursts, and halos. Work that involves dust, fumes, chemicals, or a risk of something hitting your face is a different conversation, because the FDA says it is important to protect your eyes from anything that might get in them and from being hit or bumped.

The FDA also flags that some jobs prohibit certain refractive procedures, and advises checking with your employer, professional society, or military service before undergoing any procedure. If your job has a vision standard, sort that out with your surgeon before you schedule surgery, not after.