LASIK certainly improved our ability to see clearly. Prescription lenses in glasses or contacts are no longer the only option for patients with refractive eye errors. Rather, people who would typically need prescription eyewear can see clearly without any assistance thanks to LASIK and other types of laser eye surgery.
The idea of having LASIK, however, can be intimidating for many people who are thinking about it. Patients may feel more at ease and reassured about the procedure if they know what to anticipate. How long the procedure takes is one of the most frequent questions we get.
Preparation Before the Surgery (30-60 Minutes)
Your eyes undergo a thorough preparation procedure before you even walk into the operating room. At this point, your surgeon makes a precise corneal map and checks the condition of your eye. Imagine it as the blueprint that is laid out before a house is built. They measure the thickness of your cornea, check for dryness, and calculate your precise prescription.
You will first sit down for these last measurements on the day of your procedure. Additionally, you will receive numbing eye drops, which will apply a slight pressure without causing pain. Some clinics might provide a mild sedative to help you relax if you’re anxious. Before the actual surgery begins, all of this usually takes 30 to 60 minutes.
The LASIK Procedure (10-15 Minutes Per Eye)
Many people are surprised to learn that LASIK surgery is remarkably fast. After you’re situated in the operating room and positioned under the laser, the surgeon begins the procedure.
Initially, a delicate flap is made on the cornea’s outer layer. This flap is carefully moved aside, allowing the laser to reshape the tissue underneath. The excimer laser then rapidly adjusts the cornea’s shape using brief pulses of light, correcting your vision. This reshaping typically takes under a minute for each eye. To finish, the flap is precisely returned to its original location, where it adheres naturally without the need for stitches.
The entire procedure takes about 10 to 15 minutes for each eye, so both eyes can usually be treated in less than 30 minutes. Many people are surprised by how quickly it’s over, and some even find the experience to be less dramatic than they expected.
Immediate Recovery at the Clinic (30-60 Minutes)
You won’t simply go home after the procedure is finished. Your surgeon and their staff will check that everything appears as it should during your brief stay in the recovery room. Additionally, the numbing drops begin to wear off at this point, so you may experience some slight eye itching or a grainy feeling.
At this stage, the majority of patients notice that their vision is a little blurry, almost like looking through foggy glass. It’s quite common and usually goes away in a few hours. To avoid infection and dryness, you will also receive medicated drops and protective eye shields. You will be allowed to go home after your surgeon certifies that your eyes are stable, which should happen in 30 to 60 minutes. Just keep in mind that you will require a driver.
The First 24 Hours of Recovery
The first 24 hours after LASIK surgery are focused on rest to allow the eyes to start recovering. Many people find that a nap after returning home leads to a noticeable improvement in vision upon waking. However, it’s common for vision to vary between being clear and somewhat unclear during this first day.
You’ll also need to use prescribed eye drops several times throughout the day. These help prevent infection and maintain eye moisture. Most doctors advise against using electronic devices, exposure to intense light, and, most importantly, touching or scratching your eyes. It’s important to protect the corneal flap, like a healing wound, to ensure it heals properly.
By the following morning, many patients experience a significant improvement, sometimes even achieving perfect vision almost immediately.
The Weeks and Months After LASIK
Full recovery takes time, even though LASIK works quickly. Most people are able to resume their regular activities, including driving and working, within a few days. However, it will take a few weeks for your eyes to adjust. Halos, glare, and dryness around lights at night are common but usually go away with time.
Your vision continues to stabilize over the course of the following three to six months. To ensure that your eyes are healing as planned, your surgeon will schedule routine follow-up appointments. The “wow factor” really hits for most patients at this point, no contacts or glasses, just unobstructed vision from the first moment they wake up.
How Much Does LASIK Surgery Cost In The USA?
LASIK surgery in the US usually costs between $2,000 and $3,500 per eye, depending on the location of the clinic, the technology (bladeless vs. standard laser), and the experience of the surgeon. Many clinics provide financing options to make payments more manageable, even though insurance typically does not cover LASIK because it is an elective procedure.
Pre-operative tests, the actual procedure, and follow-up appointments are frequently included in the cost. Compared to years of purchasing glasses, contacts, and related supplies, many patients find it to be cost-effective in the long run, despite the initial high cost..
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does LASIK hurt?
No, you won’t feel pain during the surgery thanks to numbing drops. Some pressure is normal, and mild discomfort afterward usually fades quickly.
2. How soon can I drive again?
Most people are able to drive the very next day after their follow-up appointment, as long as their vision meets driving standards.
3. Will I need LASIK again later in life?
For most patients, the results are permanent. However, natural age-related changes like presbyopia can still affect vision later on.
4. Can LASIK fix both eyes in one session?
Yes, surgeons usually treat both eyes during the same visit so recovery is balanced.
5. How long before I can wear makeup or swim again?
Eye makeup is best avoided for about a week, and swimming or hot tubs should be skipped for at least two weeks to prevent infection.
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