How Long Is a LASIK Surgery?
If you have considered vision correction, you have probably heard of LASIK. This laser vision correction is highly safe and effective for most people. When people think about LASIK, they often wonder what the actual procedure feels like and how long it takes. Fortunately, LASIK is a quick, painless procedure with minimal recovery time.
What is LASIK?
LASIK stands for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis. During this form of laser vision correction, a laser reshapes your cornea to improve your vision. The cornea, a clear structure at the front of the eye, affects the angle at which light hits the retina. If you are nearsighted, farsighted, or have astigmatism, light does not focus on the retina, creating a blurry image. By changing the cornea, LASIK can correct the angle of focus for a sharp, clear picture.
How Does LASIK Work?
LASIK is performed using two advanced lasers. A femtosecond laser creates a flap in the cornea’s outer layer using rapid pulses of energy. Your eye surgeon lifts this flap aside and uses an excimer laser to shape the cornea by removing microscopically thin layers. Afterward, the flap is replaced. The edges will adhere and start to heal quickly, and no sutures are needed.
How Long is a LASIK Surgery?
Some people may feel anxious about the LASIK procedure, but your appointment with Dr. Senekal will allow you to have all your questions answered. Your eyes are numbed before the process begins, so you will not feel anything. LASIK usually takes about ten minutes per eye. The lasers are only active for a short part of that time, and you may be surprised at how quickly your treatment is over. You can go home after the procedure, although someone will need to drive for you.
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We’d love to help you get all the information you need in order to make the best choice for your eyes. Request a consultation today! Our staff is available and happy to answer your every question.
What is Recovery Like After LASIK?
The edges of the corneal flap usually heal within 48 hours of having LASIK. Most people can return to work and other activities within a few days. You may experience irritation or dryness, but you will be provided with eye drops to protect your eyes and help them heal. Avoid swimming, getting water in your eyes, and exposure to dusty areas. Your vision will continue to stabilize and improve over the next few months.
How Long Do LASIK Results Last?
How long your LASIK results will last depends on several factors. Your eyes will continue to age and change over time, resulting in changes to your vision. Each person’s eyes change at a different pace. As you age, you will also experience changes to the lens of your eye. This lens becomes stiffer, preventing it from adapting to viewing things up close. This condition, called presbyopia, affects most people over 40.
Take the Next Step
To learn more about LASIK, please schedule your consultation by either filling out the form on this page or by calling (780) 452-4111. We look forward to helping you!
