Laser Eye Surgery to correct vision using lasers, especially LASIK (Laser In Situ Keratomileusis), has been a life-changer for millions of people. The procedure is fast, safe and has a low pain factor for the patient. If you’re considering this surgery or you have already booked your date, learning what will happen during and after the procedure will help prepare you for a quick recovery.
Setting the right perceptions, this guide will help you take the necessary steps to safeguard your vision. It will tell you what will happen when you leave for your procedure, what happens during the procedure, and the most important thing: When will you heal from this life changing and much needed procedure?
What Happens During LASIK Laser Eye Surgery?
Along with PRK, LASIK is one of the most popular and commonly used forms of laser eye surgery. Most commonly, this form of surgery is used to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and even presbyopia.
The procedure involves creating a thin flap on the cornea, using an excimer laser to reshape the tissue underneath, and then replacing the flap — all in about 20 minutes for both eyes.
Do not wear any make-up, powder or perfume on the day of your procedure. You are given local anaesthetic drops in the eye to keep you comfortable. You may be given a sedative tablet before the procedure. Driving on the day is not allowed and you will need someone to drive you home. You will be in the surgery centre for 1 to 1.5 hours.
Right After Surgery: The First Few Hours
Most patients report immediate improvement in vision when sitting up from the laser chair. However, vision is likely to be blurred for the first 6 to 12 hours, as if looking through frosted glass. This is totally normal and temporary.
Common experiences during the first few hours:
- Mild eye watering or tearing
- Feeling of a foreign body or grit
- Light sensitive or mild discomfort
You can take over the counter painkillers for aches and pains. The best thing you can do the day of surgery is go home and rest and let the healing process begin .
Week 1: Important Restrictions and Fast Recovery
Day 1 After Surgery
Most LASIK patients experience a dramatic improvement in vision by the next morning. You will have a required follow-up visit 1 day post surgery. Your surgeon will monitor your healing and advise you when it is safe to drive again – most patients are cleared to drive the day after their procedure.
Days 2-7: Back to Daily Life
Most patients are back to work within two days of the LASIK. However, for the first two weeks after surgery, you must follow these restrictions:
- Do not rub your eyes – this can interfere with the healing corneal flap
- Don’t swim or engage in any water sports
- Avoid wearing eye make-up
- Avoid dusty or smoky places
- Avoid contact sports and strenuous exercise
- Avoid long-haul overseas air travel
Continue to use any prescribed antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops as directed. These are important for preventing infection and for healthy corneal healing during week one.
Week 2: The 2 Week Follow Up
Your second post-operative check up is two weeks after your surgery. At this point vision is usually significantly improved and starting to stabilise. Halos, glare or mild visual fluctuations – all common in the first week – usually decrease significantly by the end of week two.
Months 1-2 Final Review & Vision Stabilisation
You will have a third and final follow-up appointment, scheduled two months after surgery. The majority of patients will have good vision stabilization by eight weeks. During the first couple of months while the cornea settles into its new shape some people may notice subtle fluctuations in clarity – this is a normal part of the healing process.
Please contact your eye surgeon immediately if you notice any significant change in vision, unusual pain, discharge or other worrying symptoms at any point during your recovery.
Long-Term Outlook for LASIK
LASIK is one of the most studied elective surgeries in the world with an excellent safety record. Most candidates who are suitable experience a dramatic improvement in vision and a reduction or elimination of dependence on glasses or contact lenses. The results are generally stable and long term but over time, natural age-related changes such as presbyopia can still occur.
After laser eye surgery, regular eye health check-ups are important to monitor and maintain your long-term eye health.
Final Comments
Knowing what to experience during and after laser eye surgery will make your experience a lot easier and more confident. LASIK is a safe and effective procedure with a known recovery timeline. Adhering to your surgeon’s aftercare instructions – including going to follow-up appointments, using prescribed eye drops and following the necessary restrictions, gives yourself the best possible chance of achieving excellent, long-lasting results.
If you are considering laser eye surgery, you should speak to a qualified Ophthalmologist or a specialist laser eye clinic to find out whether LASIK is suitable for your vision and lifestyle.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1: Does laser eye surgery with LASIK hurt?
LASIK is designed to be virtually painless. Local anaesthetic eye drops are used to numb the eye before the procedure and you will often be offered a sedative tablet to help you relax. You may feel some pressure sensation during the flap creation,no pain. This may be associated with mild discomfort and a gritty feeling for a few hours that can be controlled with over the counter painkillers.
Q2: How long does the LASIK surgery take?
The laser treatment itself lasts about 20 minutes for both eyes. However, you can expect to spend around 1 to 1.5 hours in total in the surgery centre, this includes preparation, the procedure and a short rest period post operative before you are discharged.
Q3: When can I go back to work after laser eye surgery?
Most LASIK patients can usually return to work within two days of surgery. This will depend on your job – those working in an office will usually get better and come back sooner, whereas if your work is physically demanding, dusty or dangerous then you may need to wait longer and take extra precautions.
Q4: Can I drive after LASIK?
You will not be able to drive the day of surgery and need to arrange for someone to take you home. Most patients are allowed to drive the day after surgery, pending confirmation at their one day post-operative check-up. At this appointment your surgeon will check your vision and let you know when it is safe for you to drive.
Q5: Who is a good candidate for LASIK?
LASIK is generally appropriate for adults with stable prescriptions for nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism or presbyopia. There is a detailed pre-operative assessment to determine if you are suitable and this will include the thickness of the cornea, size of the pupil, refractive error and general health of the eye. Not all patients are suitable for LASIK and occasionally another procedure such as PRK or SMILE or ICL may be more suitable for you. Your surgeon will be able to discuss this with you.