What Can I Expect?

The LASIK procedure itself lasts only 10 to 15 minutes for both eyes, however, plan to be at the office for 60 to 90 minutes. The LASIK procedure is painless and performed while you are awake. If you are anxious, discuss your concerns with your physician prior to the appointment. A low-dosage, anti-anxiety tablet may be administered at the time of the procedure. When you arrive, topical anesthetic eyedrops are placed in your eyes and you are taken to the laser room.

The first step in LASIK is creating the precise, thin flap in your cornea. This takes approximately 1 to 2 minutes per eye. Once the flaps are created, the surgeon positions you under the excimer laser and treats one eye at a time. The surgeon lifts each flap. The laser is then applied, which, depending on your level of correction, can last from a few seconds to one minute.  The surgeon will then put the flap back in place. You will not see anything coming toward your eye at any point during the procedure. You may notice some hazy vision and some flashing lights.

After the procedure, the surgeon will examine your eyes with a slit lamp and give you postoperative instructions. You will have clear eye shields placed in front of your eyes. At this time, your vision will still appear hazy, but will likely already be improved compared to before the procedure. Most patients experience a sandy/gritty feeling along with significant amounts of eye watering. The discomfort usually lasts three to six hours after the procedure. It is usually best if you are able to sleep through this time period. You will then return the following morning for a postoperative check. 

At the postoperative check, your vision is usually significantly improved. Most patients are able to drive themselves to this appointment, but only do so at your comfort level. Glare, halos and dry eyes may be present, but will improve dramatically as your eyes heal. Discuss with your surgeon which eye drops to take after the procedure and what precautions to note. Most people do very well with the surgery, and many are even able to go to work the next day. It may be helpful to take an additional day off from work, depending on your occupation.