How Long Does Laser Eye Surgery Take?

LASIK can dramatically improve the quality of your life by correcting your vision in just one short visit to a clinic. But how long does laser eye surgery take? In this article, we address this question and discuss the procedure and recovery process in detail.

Laser eye surgery is also often referred to as LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis). The goal of the procedure is typically to improve vision by correcting nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. As the name suggests, the procedure utilizes a laser to reshape the cornea (the outer layer of the eye) and prompt correct refraction of light.

In most cases, laser eye surgery takes 30 to 60 minutes. However, the time may vary depending on the complexity of the case, the type of laser used, the surgeon’s experience, and other factors. During the initial consultation and eye exam, your doctor will be able to inform you of the estimated duration of your procedure.

The procedure of vision correction itself typically takes about 5 minutes per eye. The rest of the time will be spent on preparation for the surgery, such as eye numbing and post-surgery care and recovery.

What Happens During the Laser Eye Surgery

During the laser eye surgery, your doctor will use an instrument called a lid speculum to hold your eyelids open and prevent blinking during the procedure. Typically, this instrument does not cause any pain or discomfort.

Additionally, your doctor will utilize eye tracker technology to monitor your eye movements during the procedure. The device tracks the position of the eye and helps adjust the laser beam so that it remains precisely focused on the surgical area.

If a patient experiences severe anxiety before the procedure, they might be given a mild sedative to promote relaxation and comfort and reduce the risk of involuntary movement during the surgery.

The procedure of laser eye correction typically consists of multiple steps:

Initially, your doctor will administer numbing drops into your eyes to prevent pain or discomfort during the procedure. Also, numbing reduces the blinking reflex.
Once the numbing drops take effect, your doctor will ask you to focus on a small light and maintain your gaze on it throughout the procedure. This will help you avoid looking around or moving your eyes.
During the next step, your doctor will use a laser or microkeratome to create a hinged flap in the cornea.
Then, the surgeon will lift the flap and reshape the corneal tissue underneath it with an excimer laser. The last step is to reposition the flap; it will heal on its own without the need for stitches.

When Will I See Clearly After Laser Eye Surgery

In most cases, people notice a significant improvement in their vision as early as the first couple of days after laser eye surgery. However, please allow 3 to 6 months for complete recovery and stabilization of your vision. It is normal to experience side effects such as fluctuations in vision clarity, minor blurriness, and dry eyes for the first several weeks or months after undergoing a LASIK procedure.

Here is a possible LASIK recovery timeline:

Within the first 1 to 3 days, most patients experience a significant improvement in their vision clarity.
In the first 7 days, most patients experience some blurry vision or occasional fluctuations in clarity.
In the first month after the procedure, most patients’ vision is restored to 95% of their optimal vision.
Within 2 to 3 months, the majority of patients fully recover and achieve stable vision.
In 6 months after the procedure, patients can expect to see the final results of the surgery.

To ensure that your LASIK recovery goes smoothly, follow these simple tips:

Protect your eyes with eye shields provided by your doctor when sleeping for the first one to two weeks.
Wear sunglasses with UV protection when going outside.
Rest your eyes and abstain from looking at screens or reading from paper for at least 48 hours after the procedure.
Use the drops your doctor prescribes according to the instructions.
Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes.
Cancel sports or any other strenuous activities for the first 1 to 2 weeks.
Avoid applying makeup or skincare products near the area around your eyes.
Protect your eyes from dirt, dust, soap, and other irritants.

Get Laser Eye Surgery at Advanced Eye Medical

Do not hesitate to call our office today and make an appointment for a safe and effective LASIK procedure with an experienced and reliable eye surgeon at Advanced Eye Medical. We look forward to helping you achieve a clear vision.