How Long Does LASIK Surgery Take?

Whether it’s due to myopia, astigmatism, or something else, living with blurry vision can be an extremely frustrating experience. If you’re living with the constant need for glasses or contact lenses just to see, you’ve likely thought about LASIK surgery. It can be an extremely effective approach to treating all kinds of eye conditions and give you back your clear vision. So what should you expect from LASIK? How long does the LASIK surgery take?

LASIK usually takes around 15 minutes per eye, and the actual laser portion of the procedure only lasts a few seconds. However, it’s important to keep in mind that each person’s experience may vary.

What Is LASIK?

LASIK, or laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, is a popular refractive surgery designed to reshape your cornea—the clear, dome-shaped tissue at the front of the eye.

The cornea is responsible for bending light toward the retina. It’s a crucial part of your visual system and needs to be a specific shape in order to give you clear vision. However, conditions like myopia (nearsightedness) or astigmatism (a misshapen cornea) affect how light focuses inside the eye to cause blurry vision.

LASIK surgery employs a special laser to change the physical shape of your eye’s natural lens, allowing it to properly focus light once more and restore your vision. It’s an extremely effective surgery that can be life-changing for people living with blurry vision.

Who Qualifies for LASIK?

It’s important to note that not everybody qualifies for LASIK. This surgery, while effective, isn’t ideal for everybody. Typically, an ideal candidate must:

• Be generally in good ocular and overall health.
• Be at least 18 years of age to ensure corneal stability.
• Have a prescription within the treatable range for moderate farsightedness, astigmatism, or nearsightedness.
• Possess adequate corneal thickness, allowing enough tissue for a successful procedure.
• Have no history of eye injuries or infections that may affect healing.
• Are not pregnant or breastfeeding, as these conditions can alter vision.

Before scheduling the surgery, you’ll need to book a laser eye surgery consultation with your optometrist. During this exam, your optometrist will check your eyes to determine whether or not you qualify for LASIK. If you meet the criteria, they’ll be able to recommend you to the right surgeon.

What to Expect With LASIK

With LASIK, there are 3 key steps: the before, during, and after. Learning what to expect from each stage of the process is key to a swift recovery.

Before LASIK

To begin, your optometrist will conduct a full comprehensive eye examination. During this, they’ll:

• Measure the curvature of your cornea to ensure it’s sufficient for surgery.
• Assess your overall eye health to rule out any conditions that could interfere with the healing process.
• Check your pupils and eye alignment.
• Perform a detailed mapping of your cornea called corneal topography.
• Discuss your medical history and any medications you’re currently taking.

Then, your optometrist will give you some pre-operation instructions to help ensure a smooth procedure.

During LASIK

The LASIK surgery itself is surprisingly quick. It often only takes about 10-20 minutes for both eyes. There are a few steps involved:

1. Preparation: Upon arrival, you’ll be prepared for the operation. Your surgeon will apply numbing eye drops to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure.
2. Creating the flap: The surgeon creates a thin flap in the cornea using a precise instrument.
3. Reshaping the cornea: With the flap lifted, a laser reshapes the cornea’s curvature.
4. Flap replacement: The flap is gently laid back in place where it heals over time. There’s no need for stitches; it’s a self-adhering incision.

Throughout the process, computer-controlled precision ensures a precise surgery while minimizing discomfort. During the surgery itself, you may notice some mild pressure or discomfort, but it’s often a relatively painless procedure.

After LASIK

Once your LASIK surgery is completed, your eyes may feel a bit gritty or watery. You’ll likely notice vision improvements within the first 24 hours.

Then, over the next few weeks, you’ll notice significant improvements, and soon your vision will stabilize. It’s crucial to follow any and all post-operation instructions to make sure you don’t put your vision at risk!

Tips for Recovering After LASIK

Recovery from LASIK is generally quick, but there are some essential tips to follow to ensure the best outcome:

• Avoid rubbing your eyes: it’s crucial to avoid touching or rubbing your eyes after surgery. this can disrupt the healing process and dislodge the corneal flap.
• Use prescribed eye drops: your eye drops help to manage discomfort and prevent infections. use them as directed by your surgeon.
• Rest and take it easy: give your eyes a break—resting them is key. avoid strenuous activities or anything that could cause eye strain.
• Protect your eyes: wear protective eyewear, especially when sleeping, to avoid unintentional rubbing or injury to your eyes.

You’ll need to attend some follow-up appointments with your optometrist over the next few months. They’ll monitor your recovery process, address any problems, and make sure your vision stays clear!

Do You Qualify for LASIK?

LASIK can be an excellent way to improve more than your vision—it can have a significant impact on your quality of life. If you’re thinking about LASIK, come talk to our team at Headwaters Optometry! We can examine your eyes and determine whether or not this is the right move for you. Book an appointment with us today—clear vision could be right around the corner!