LASIK eye surgery is one of the most common elective surgical procedures in America, with nearly 700,000 surgeries performed every year. With such high satisfaction and success rates, it is easy to understand why so many choose to undergo this surgery. Before making their final decision, though, many people have questions about the procedure, recovery, and results. One of the most common questions people ask when considering LASIK eye surgery is how long the procedure takes. Let’s take a look at this question.
How long does LASIK eye surgery take?
You may be surprised to learn that LASIK surgery typically takes less than 30 minutes. It can even be as quick as 15 minutes. Most times, waiting for the procedure takes longer than the procedure itself. Here is a quick overview of the standard LASIK process.
Pre-surgery
Before the procedure, you will check in for your appointment and complete any final paperwork items needed. Once you have completed any paperwork, you will sit in a waiting area until you are called for your procedure. Depending on where you are having your procedure and your stress levels, you may be offered a mild sedative to ease any nerves.
Surgery
As mentioned before, the LASIK procedure takes less than 30 minutes, or about 15 minutes per eye. When it is time for your procedure, you will be taken to the LASIK area and comfortably seated in a reclining chair. The surgeon will apply eye drops to numb your eyes. This will reduce any discomfort and minimize the need to blink often. The surgeon will proceed to stabilize your eye with an eyelid speculum and create a flap of tissue in your eye. He or she will then open the flap to access and modify the stroma, the tissue beneath the cornea. The surgeon will work on one eye at a time, leaving the other eye covered by a patch.
Recovery
LASIK recovery is remarkably quick, and you will likely notice vision improvements almost immediately.. Most patients will leave the office being able to see better than before, though their eyes will be sensitive to light for a few hours. Many patients even find that they are ready to drive the very next day. Despite the quick recovery time that comes with LASIK, it is important to let your eyes rest and heal. Avoid wearing makeup or lotion on your face, rubbing your eyes, or getting soap in your eyes.
You will schedule a follow up visit with your eye doctor a few weeks following surgery to ensure that your eyes are healing properly. You will also have the chance to test your vision and see how much it has improved since surgery. Typically, you will achieve your best vision results around three months after LASIK. Everyone is different, so try your best not to compare your recovery with someone else’s.
How long does LASIK last?
LASIK results can and should last a long time. Many patients enjoy restored vision for 20+ years, but the results are not always permanent for everyone. Certain changes related to your age, particularly presbyopia, can cause impaired vision or blurriness later on in life. In some cases, when results are not ideal, you may consider LASIK enhancement.
If you live in Austin, Texas or the surrounding area and are considering LASIK, contact Broberg Eye Care today. We would love to answer your questions, address any concerns you may have about the procedure, and help you decide if LASIK is right for you. Schedule an appointment today and take one step closer to 20/20 vision (or better!).
Read more of our blog posts about LASIK eye surgery.