Recovering after refractive lens exchange is often quicker and easier than many people expect. While every eye heals at its own pace, knowing what happens during recovery can help you feel prepared and know what’s normal as your vision improves.
At Crews LASIK & Cataract Center in Portland, OR, board-certified ophthalmologist Dr. Stanley L. Crews has over 30 years of experience performing advanced vision correction procedures, including refractive lens exchange.
What to Expect After RLE Surgery
These symptoms usually improve over the first several days:
- Mild irritation or a scratchy feeling
- Light sensitivity
- Watery eyes
- Halos or glare around lights at night
Your Recovery Timeline After the Surgery
Healing happens gradually, although many people notice better vision sooner than expected:
- First 24 Hours: Your vision will likely be blurry or hazy after surgery. Your eye may feel scratchy or watery. Bright lights may seem uncomfortable. These symptoms are normal. Rest your eyes for the remainder of the day.
- First Week: Your vision should become clearer each day. It may still fluctuate as your eye heals. You may notice glare or halos around lights at night. These usually improve with time. Most people return to normal daily activities within a few days. Avoid heavy lifting, swimming, and rubbing your eyes until your surgeon says it’s safe.
- First Month: Your vision continues to stabilize. Colors may appear brighter and sharper. Most healing is complete by the end of the month. Your follow-up visits help confirm that your eyes are healing well.
Tips for a Smooth Recovery
A few simple habits can help support healing:
- Use your eye drops exactly as directed.
- Wear sunglasses outdoors to reduce light sensitivity.
- Keep water, soap, and makeup away from your eyes until your surgeon says it’s safe.
- Attend every scheduled follow-up appointment.
- Contact your eye doctor if you notice severe pain, sudden vision loss, or increasing redness.
Learn More About Refractive Lens Exchange in Portland, OR
Clearer vision starts with choosing an experienced eye surgeon. Dr. Stanley L. Crews and the team at Crews LASIK & Cataract Center are here to answer your questions and help you decide if refractive lens exchange is right for you.
Call 800-757-3525 today to schedule your consultation and learn more about your vision correction options.