The LASIK procedure is a popular eye surgery which corrects vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The eye surgeon uses a special laser to reshape the cornea to create proper light focus onto the retina. Many people considering LASIK wonder how long the actual procedure takes. In this blog, we will break down the timeline of a typical LASIK surgery.
Initial In-office Consultation for a LASIK Procedure
The first step in getting LASIK is to schedule an initial consultation with your eye surgeon at The Laser Center of Coral Gables.
During your consultation, the eye doctor will perform various tests and evaluations to determine if you are a good candidate for LASIK. You will discuss your medical history, any medications you routinely take, and what your expectations are for the corrective procedure.
Most people wish to reduce their dependence on wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses. Perhaps they play sports and want to be able to see without glasses fogging up, breaking or falling off. Other people are simply tired of the daily routine of putting in, taking out, and cleaning contact lenses. Still others want to do their jobs without the interference glasses can pose.
Whatever your reasons for wanting laser vision correction, tell your eye surgeon about them. You and your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits particular to your vision needs. LASIK procedures are customized to suit each patient’s overall health, eye health, age, desired outcomes and more.
In general, the best candidates for LASIK vision correction are in good overall health, have healthy eyes and are 18 years of age or older. It’s also important that you have a relatively stable lens prescription.
Before your in-office LASIK consultation with your eye surgeon, refrain from using cosmetics and lotions on your eyelids and around your eyes. Keep your eyelashes very clean as well.
Finally, on the day of the initial consultation, bring a reliable friend or relative with you to drive you home as your pupils will still be dilated and light-sensitive after your eye exam. It is safe to drive again the next day.
The LASIK Procedure
Once you have been cleared for LASIK eye surgery, expect excellent patient care from start to finish. Your actual LASIK procedure can take as little as 10 minutes per eye. From start to finish, LASIK surgery lasts about 20 minutes to correct both eyes. The procedure itself is painless and highly accurate.
During this in-office procedure, the eye surgeon will first give you a drop which numbs the eye. Then, they use a highly precise laser tool to create a flap in the cornea, or the outermost surface of your eye. This flap gives the eye doctor access to the lens which, when modified, corrects your nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism as the case may be. This flap does not require any sutures and heals by itself in the following days to weeks.
After Your LASIK Procedure
You may experience a burning sensation and some grittiness in your corrected eye(s) right after the surgery. You may wear an eye shield but will be able to see well right away. However, your visual acuity will not peak for two to three weeks.
You may also experience some halos and glare around lights, especially at night. These symptoms are normal and will subside as your eyes heal.
Be sure to keep your follow-up appointments with your eye surgeon. The first follow-up will happen in one to two days after your surgery, and you will have subsequent check-ups over the following few months. Wait to start swimming, using a hot tub or applying eye make-up until your surgeon OKs these activities.
LASIK Procedures in Coral Gables, FL
At The Laser Center of Coral Gables, our team of highly trained eye surgeons and their support team is committed to providing the highest quality LASIK procedures in Coral Gables, Florida. With state-of-the-art technology and years of experience, we help our patients achieve clear and crisp vision without glasses or contacts.
Our on-staff eye surgeons are Alberto Aran, MD, Mario Rojas, MD, Juan Ayala-Haedo, MD and Adam Stelzer, OD. Please call us today at (305) 461-0003 to arrange your LASIK consultation, or request a visit here.
