The Recovery Journey After Phakic ICL – Clear Vision the Day After Surgery

One of the standout advantages of Phakic ICL is its fast and gentle recovery process. Not only can patients see clearly within hours after surgery, but they can also resume normal activities within just 1–2 days.

This article will guide you through the recovery process after Phakic ICL surgery, from the initial sensations to key recovery milestones and important tips for achieving the best results.

After Surgery: The First 24 Hours

Immediately after surgery: You will rest for 30–60 minutes and be examined before being allowed to go home.

Initial sensations: Some patients may experience mild glare, a feeling of something in the eye, or slight blurriness during the first few hours.

Improvement in vision: Many patients report seeing clearly on the first day, or even within hours of the surgery.

Day 1–3: Stabilizing Vision

Vision continues to improve: The blurriness or glare significantly reduces, and your vision becomes sharper.

A follow-up exam is typically scheduled after 24 hours to check the lens placement, intraocular pressure, and recovery progress.

During this period, avoid rubbing your eyes, reading extensively, or using your phone for long periods.

The First Week: Important Considerations

• Avoid swimming, sauna, or intense physical activity.
• Follow the prescribed medication regimen, including anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, and moisturizing eye drops.
• Wear protective glasses (clear lenses) if going outside or riding a motorcycle.
• Do not apply makeup around the eyes, and avoid washing your face vigorously.

Weeks 2–4: Vision Becomes Fully Stable

• Most patients will experience clear, stable vision and total comfort within the first 2–4 weeks.
• You can gradually return to light physical activities and normal work and life routines.
• Some patients report significant improvement in night vision, exceeding expectations.

Patient Testimonials

Many patients share their joy at waking up and being able to see everything clearly without glasses. This moment is often described as the turning point where Phakic ICL surgery becomes worth every second.

Additionally, many are pleasantly surprised by the absence of dry eye symptoms after surgery—a common issue for LASIK patients or those who have worn contact lenses for years.

5 Key Tips for the Best Recovery

1. Follow up on time: Ensure you keep scheduled appointments to monitor recovery and catch any abnormalities early.
2. Don’t stop eye drops prematurely: Even if your eyes feel fine, continue using the prescribed drops.
3. Avoid water contact: Don’t allow water to directly contact your eyes during the first week.
4. Limit exposure to smoke, strong light, and long screen time.
5. Don’t worry if your vision is slightly blurry for a few days: This is a normal reaction that will improve quickly.

When to Contact Your Doctor Immediately

• Persistent pain that doesn’t subside after one day.
• Significant redness or discharge from the eye.
• Sudden vision loss.
• Prolonged halos, glare, or unusual shadows in your vision.

Conclusion

The recovery process after Phakic ICL is typically quick and straightforward when following the proper instructions. Many patients share that seeing clearly without glasses the morning after surgery is hard to believe—but it’s a reality with Phakic ICL.

If you’re concerned about long recovery times or dry eyes post-surgery, Phakic ICL might be the ideal option for you.