LASIK surgery, one of the most popular vision correction procedures, offers a fast and effective solution for those looking to improve their vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses. If you’re considering LASIK, understanding the timeline of the surgery process is important for setting realistic expectations and ensuring a smooth experience.
Pre-Surgery Preparation
Before the LASIK procedure, patients undergo a comprehensive eye examination. This step ensures that they are good candidates for LASIK and provides the surgeon with essential measurements of the cornea. We advise patients to remove their contact lenses the night before their pre-operative eye examination to ensure accurate measurements.
The pre-operative preparation typically takes about 60 to 90 minutes and is completely complementary to our patients. During this appointment, we will perform various tests and evaluations, discuss what to expect, surgeon expertise, and our guaranteed payment plan options.
At your consultation, you’ll receive a folder containing informative paperwork and consent forms to complete. We also recommend avoiding contact lenses for 3-5 days before the procedure to allow your cornea to return to its natural shape.
The Procedure: How Long Does LASIK Surgery Take?
The actual LASIK treatment is remarkably quick! On average, the entire procedure takes 5 to 7 minutes per eye, allowing both eyes to be treated in less than 15 minutes. However, we recommend planning for 60-90 minutes for this appointment to complete essential paperwork and prepare properly for treatment.
- Numbing the Eyes:
- A few drops of numbing solution are applied to the eyes to eliminate discomfort. These anesthetic drops take effect immediately – within seconds!
- Creating the Corneal Flap:
- Using a femtosecond laser, the surgeon creates a thin, hinged flap in the cornea. This step takes about 15 to 20 seconds per eye.
- Reshaping the Cornea:
- An excimer laser reshapes the underlying corneal tissue based on the patient’s prescription. This process typically lasts 5 to 40 seconds, depending on the level of correction needed.
- Flap Replacement:
- The corneal flap is repositioned and smoothed back into place. This step requires 1 to 2 minutes per eye and is critical to ensuring proper healing.
Post-Surgery Recovery
Immediately after sitting up from your procedure, you’ll notice an improvement in your vision, which will continue to enhance in the days that follow. Because LASIK is an outpatient procedure, you are able to return home after your treatment, with the help of a designated driver. Once you arrive home, we encourage you to take a prescribed nap to support the initial healing process. Although your eyes begin healing right away, resting after the procedure aids recovery.
When you wake from your nap, you’ll likely experience even clearer vision, though we recommend taking it easy for the remainder of the day. Most patients achieve amazing results by the next morning and can return to work, driving, and other daily activities. Over
the next few weeks, you may experience minor fluctuations in your vision, which are a normal part of the healing process.
To promote faster recovery and minimize discomfort, it’s important to use the provided prescribed anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, and lubricating drops as directed.
- First 24 Hours:
- Patients may experience mild irritation, dryness, or blurred vision. Most individuals can return to normal activities within a day, although night vision disturbances may persist temporarily.
- Follow-Up Appointments:
- We typically schedule a follow-up visit within the first 24 to 72 hours to monitor your healing progress.
- Full Recovery:
- While many patients achieve improved vision within a few days, the full recovery process can take up to six months, during which time the eyes gradually stabilize.
Our decorated panel of surgeons at Whiting Clinic, is Minesota’s most experienced team having performed more than 225,000 LASIK procedures! Our Team is committed to delivering the highest quality care and ensuring a comfortable and informed journey. Take the first step toward clear vision today with Whiting Clinic! Schedule your free LASIK examination online or call us at (952) 475-3787 to speak with our team. Your journey to better vision starts now!
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