Feeling tired after LASIK is completely normal and is often due to your body’s natural healing process combined with the strain your eyes endure during recovery.
This temporary fatigue is a sign that your body is working hard to repair and adjust.
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is widely known for its ability to restore clear vision with minimal downtime. However, despite the quick recovery time, many patients report an unexpected side effect—feeling unusually tired. If you’re experiencing this, you’re not alone, and there are reasons behind it.
The Connection Between LASIK and Fatigue
1. The Healing Process
One of the primary reasons for feeling drained is that your body directs its energy towards recovery after any medical procedure. After LASIK, your cornea begins to heal immediately. During this process, the body allocates significant resources to repair the tissue and adjust to the changes. This reallocation of energy can leave you feeling fatigued.
Your eyes are delicate structures, and even minor laser corrections can trigger an immune response. This means your body actively works to protect and recover the operated area, which can take a toll on your overall energy levels.
2. Eye Strain During Recovery
Post-LASIK, your eyes are highly sensitive as they adapt to the reshaped cornea. Activities that require focus—like reading, working on a screen, or even exposure to bright lights—can lead to eye strain.
Even blinking is more deliberate post-surgery to prevent dryness and irritation. This additional effort on your eyes can contribute to the exhaustion your body experiences.
3. Fatigue from the Stress of Surgery
While LASIK is a relatively quick and minimally invasive procedure, it is natural to feel some mental and physical stress about the surgery. Elevated stress levels surrounding the procedure can result in the release of cortisol, a stress hormone. Once the surgery is complete, your body’s systems work to rebalance themselves, which may leave you feeling emotionally and physically drained.
4. Changes in Visual Focus
After LASIK, your vision undergoes a significant transformation. While this is the goal of the procedure, your brain and eye muscles need to work overtime to adapt. Your brain processes visual input differently post-surgery, and this adjustment period demands extra energy, contributing to your tiredness.
5. Medication Side Effects
Most LASIK patients are prescribed eye drops after surgery, which could include antibiotics, steroids, or lubricants that help with healing. Occasionally, these medications have mild side effects, such as drowsiness or fatigue. Be sure to consult with your surgeon if you suspect this might be influencing your energy levels.
6. Interrupted Sleep Patterns
The recovery instructions for LASIK often include keeping your eyes closed or using protective shields to minimise strain or irritation. For some patients, this new routine may interfere with regular sleeping positions or habits, leading to disrupted or poor-quality sleep. Less rest overnight inevitably translates to lower energy levels during the day.
How to Manage Fatigue After LASIK?
Recovering from LASIK should be a positive experience, and there are steps you can take to ease tiredness and promote healing:
Prioritise Rest
Your body needs rest to devote energy to healing. Don’t push yourself back into a demanding routine too quickly. Listen to your body and take naps or breaks when you feel tired.
Stay Hydrated
Dehydration can exacerbate feelings of fatigue. After LASIK, drink plenty of water to help your body flush out any residual medications and support the repair process.
Give Your Eyes Time Off
Limit screen time, reading, or other activities that require prolonged visual focus. Allow your eyes to rest, especially in the first few weeks post-surgery.
Use Eye Drops as Directed
Keep your prescribed eye drops handy and use them as instructed to alleviate dryness or irritation. Comfortable eyes mean less strain and, in turn, less fatigue.
Protect Your Eyes
Follow your surgeon’s guidelines for post-op care, including wearing protective shields and sunglasses or avoiding dusty environments. Minimising irritation helps your body focus on healing without unnecessary interruptions.
Eat Well
Good nutrition plays a key role in recovery. Incorporate foods rich in antioxidants (like leafy greens, berries, and nuts) and omega-3 fatty acids to boost healing and promote eye health. Your body will thank you for providing it with the energy it needs.
Adjust Your Activities Temporarily
Hold off on high-energy tasks or anything requiring significant eye effort, such as driving, sports, or even extended periods of work. Allow your body and vision to adjust at their own pace.
Sleep with Protective Shields
Most LASIK patients are advised to wear protective eye shields at night to prevent rubbing or accidental pressure on the eyes. While it may feel awkward at first, adhering to this guidance helps avoid disturbances to healing and ensures you get restful sleep.
When to Consult Your Doctor?
While fatigue is common after LASIK, there are certain signs that warrant a closer look. You should consult your eye care professional if:
- Fatigue lasts longer than a few weeks without improvement
- You experience severe discomfort, pain, or unusual vision changes
- You notice signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge
Your surgeon or healthcare provider can help evaluate whether there is an underlying issue affecting your recovery.
How Long Does Post-LASIK Fatigue Last?
For most patients, tiredness after LASIK dissipates within a week or two as the body adjusts and completes the healing process. The rate of recovery varies depending on factors like age, health, and adherence to post-op guidelines. Rest assured, this fatigue is temporary and is part of the body’s natural response to the procedure.
To Sum Up
Feeling tired after LASIK may come as a surprise, but it’s a normal and temporary part of recovery. Your body works harder than you may realise to protect, heal, and adapt immediately following a vision correction procedure.
By understanding the reasons behind this tiredness and taking proactive steps like rest, hydration, and limited screen time, you can pave the way for a smoother, more comfortable recovery. Always follow your surgeon’s advice, and if in doubt, reach out for expert guidance to ensure you’re on the right track.
Enjoy the new clarity your LASIK procedure has brought you—a little extra rest is a small price to pay for a lifetime of improved vision.
