Preparation
Before the LASIK eye surgery, you will need to schedule a consultation with an eye surgeon. During this consultation, the surgeon will evaluate your eye health and determine if you are a suitable candidate for LASIK. On the day of the surgery, you will be advised to refrain from wearing any makeup or contact lenses. This is to ensure the accuracy of the measurements taken prior to the procedure.
The Procedure
The LASIK eye surgery procedure itself is relatively quick and typically takes only about 10 to 15 minutes per eye. Before the procedure, your eyes will be numbed using eye drops. The surgeon will then create a thin corneal flap using a laser or microkeratome. Once the corneal flap is created, the surgeon will use a laser to reshape the underlying corneal tissue. This reshaping corrects the refractive error and improves vision. After the corneal reshaping is complete, the surgeon will reposition the corneal flap, which will heal naturally without the need for sutures.
Recovery
After the LASIK eye surgery procedure, you will spend some time in a recovery area where you can rest and allow your eyes to adjust. Most patients experience improved vision within 24 to 48 hours after the surgery. However, it may take a few weeks for your vision to stabilize completely. During the recovery period, it is important to follow the post-operative instructions provided by your surgeon. This may include using prescribed eye drops and avoiding activities that may strain your eyes, such as swimming or heavy lifting.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the LASIK eye surgery procedure itself takes only about 10 to 15 minutes per eye. However, it is important to consider the preparation and recovery time as well. Overall, LASIK offers a relatively quick and effective way to improve vision and reduce dependency on corrective lenses.