Posted by: Clear Advantage in LASIK on January 14, 2026
If you’re preparing for LASIK, you may be wondering about the recovery process and what medications you’ll need afterward. Eye drops are an essential part of your post-LASIK healing, helping prevent infection and reduce inflammation while your eyes recover.
Keep reading to learn more about how long you’ll need these medications, the proper way to use them, and what to expect during your LASIK recovery at Clear Advantage Vision Correction Center.
Why Do I Need to Use Eye Drops after LASIK?
After LASIK, you’ll receive prescription medications that work together to protect your eyes and support healing. The antibiotic eye drops prevent bacterial infections while the corneal flap heals, and the anti-inflammatory drops reduce swelling and help manage any discomfort you may experience.
Your eye doctor may prescribe these medications separately or as a dual-action eye drop in one bottle. As you continue to recover, they may also recommend incorporating artificial tears to soothe any dryness and irritation you may experience.
Your Eye Drop Schedule for the First Week
Before clearing you to return home after LASIK, your eye doctor will provide personalized instructions for postoperative eye drop application. While each patient’s individual schedule may differ, the general guidelines remain the same.
Creating a routine makes it easier to remember your eye drops and ensures you get the full benefit of the medications. For example, if you’re instructed to apply your eye drops four times a day, a good approach could be to tie your eye drop schedule to your daily meals and bedtime: instill the drops at breakfast, lunch, dinner, and before bed.
When using separate medications, space them five minutes apart to allow each drop to absorb properly. The order doesn’t matter, so you can start with either the antibiotic or the anti-inflammatory medication. If you’re someone who tends to be on the go, setting phone reminders for each dose can help you stay on track during that first week.
Only one drop needs to land in your eye for the medication to work effectively. If you miss your eye on the first attempt, simply try again. You can’t overdo it with these medications, so don’t worry if you’re not sure whether the drop made it in.
For greater accuracy, lie flat on your back and gently pull your lower lid down before instilling the drops. This position creates a larger target area and helps ensure the medication reaches your eye on the first try. Many patients find this technique especially helpful in those first few days when their eyes are most sensitive.
Both medications may cause a brief stinging or burning sensation when you first start using them, particularly during the first day or two. This temporary discomfort is normal and typically decreases as your eyes begin to heal. After completing the week of prescription drops, you can transition to using over-the-counter artificial tears as needed for comfort, with your eye doctor’s approval.
Managing Dry Eyes During Recovery
Dry eye symptoms are among the most common side effects after LASIK, and you may notice this dryness for 3 or 4 months after your procedure. This is a normal part of recovery and typically improves gradually over time.
If the dryness becomes bothersome during your recovery, you can use over-the-counter artificial tears in between your prescription medication doses. Just make sure to maintain that five-minute gap between any other eye drops to allow proper absorption. Artificial tears provide immediate relief and help keep your eyes comfortable as they heal.
Once you finish your course of prescription eye drops, you can use artificial tears whenever you experience dryness. There’s no set limit on how often you can use preservative-free artificial tears, so keep a bottle handy and use them as needed throughout your recovery period.
Many patients at Clear Advantage Vision Correction Center find that their dry eye symptoms peak in the first few weeks and then gradually improve.
Your Follow-Up Care at Clear Advantage
LASIK is an outpatient procedure, which means you can go home the same day. However, someone else will need to drive you home since your vision will be affected immediately after surgery. Before you leave Clear Advantage Vision Correction Center, your LASIK surgeon will provide you with a protective eye shield and your prescription eye drops.
The eye shield protects your eyes from accidental touching or bumping. Healing happens naturally, but you need to avoid disrupting the flap during those first days of recovery.
You’ll return to Clear Advantage for your first follow-up appointment the day after surgery. This exam lets your surgical team check your healing progress and address any questions you may have. Most patients return to work the day after this appointment.
Your complete follow-up schedule includes appointments at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 1 year after surgery. These check-ins allow your team to monitor your progress and confirm that your eyes are healing properly.
Taking Care of Your Eyes After LASIK
Following your eye drop schedule and attending your follow-up appointments are the two most important things you can do for a successful LASIK recovery. The medications protect your eyes during healing, while your appointments ensure everything is progressing as expected.
Are you ready to learn more about LASIK and what it could mean for your vision? Schedule an appointment at Clear Advantage Vision Correction Center in Portsmouth, NH, today!
