LASIK eye surgery is a procedure people elect to have in order to improve their vision and help reduce or end their reliance on contact lenses or glasses. As with any surgical procedure, it is completely normal to feel nervous. Although LASIK is now a routine procedure, it’s quite common for patients to be anxious on the day of their surgery. With that in mind, it helps to know what to expect on the day of your LASIK procedure.
Come to Your LASIK Procedure Prepared
Before you arrive for your scheduled LASIK procedure, make sure you have arranged transportation from the surgical center to your home. When you arrive, you will need to check in, which may include filling out or signing the final documentation. With that in mind, we ask that you do not come earlier than your scheduled appointment. Any final paperwork has already been accounted for in your scheduled time.
How Long Does LASIK Take?
Although the LASIK procedure is surprisingly short (about 15 minutes for both eyes) you should expect to be there for about two hours. As stated before, there may be additional paperwork to fill out along with any preoperative medications intended to ease feelings of anxiety.
What Happens During LASIK Eye Surgery?
For LASIK, the day of surgery begins with an antiseptic solution that disinfects your eye area. Then you will head to the surgical unit, where you will lie down on a padded surgical bed that is designed to help keep your head still during the procedure. Sometimes, the LASIK surgeon will hold your head in the desired position if they feel it is necessary. Numbing drops will be placed in your first surgery eye.
As the numbing eye drops begin to take effect, the surgeon will cover one of your eyes to help focus the other one. You will be asked to focus your eye on a light once your surgeon has determined your eye to be in the ideal position. Your surgeon will notify you prior to administering the treatment. Once the laser begins its programmed treatment, it will correct your vision by delicately reshaping your cornea.
What to Expect After LASIK
You can expect your vision to be blurry for at least a few hours following the procedure, which is why it is important to arrange a ride home. Overall, the recovery process is fairly quick and requires no stitches or bandages.
In order to shield your eyes from interference, you may need to wear eye shields. It is very important to avoid any irritation during the recovery period.
Immediately after surgery, the LASIK surgeon will check your eyes under a slit lamp to confirm that the surgery went well. The staff will then give you a final rundown on what you should do next and will clear you to leave. It’s recommended to keep your eyes closed during your ride home.
How Long Is the LASIK Recovery Period?
LASIK recovery is fairly short and patients usually are able to return to most of their normal activities 24-48 hours after surgery. You should start to notice the difference in your vision in the first week following your procedure. To help ensure your vision’s healing process continues, keep up with your eye drop regimen and any instructions from your doctor, along with plenty of rest. Interested in learning more about the LASIK procedure? Schedule a consultation with one of our doctors!
