Laser Vision Correction: How to Prepare, What it’s Like, and What to Do Afterward

You’ve done your research, had your consultation, and booked your procedure. Now comes the part many patients find most nerve-wracking: actually knowing what to expect. The good news is that laser vision correction at Visionmax Eye Centre, whether LASIK, SMILE, or PRK, moves quickly, causes minimal discomfort, and comes with a straightforward recovery. Here’s a clear picture of the full experience.

Before Your Procedure

A little preparation goes a long way toward a smooth procedure day and a faster recovery.

Stop wearing contact lenses early. Contacts change the shape of your cornea, which can affect your measurements. Soft lens wearers should stop at least one to two weeks before surgery; rigid gas-permeable lens wearers may need to stop several weeks in advance. Your surgeon will give you a specific timeline.

Arrange a ride. You won’t be able to drive yourself home after your procedure, so plan for someone to pick you up. Most patients feel comfortable the next day, but you’ll want that first evening to rest.

Skip the eye makeup. On the day of your procedure, arrive with clean eyes, free of mascara, eyeliner, and eye cream. Residue around the eye increases infection risk.

Eat normally and stay hydrated. There’s no need to fast. A light meal beforehand keeps you comfortable and relaxed.

What Happens During the Procedure

LASIK

LASIK takes about 15 minutes for both eyes. After numbing drops go in, your surgeon creates a thin flap in the outer cornea, folds it back, and uses a laser to reshape the tissue underneath. The flap then repositions itself and begins bonding naturally, without stitches.

Most patients feel pressure during the flap creation, but no pain. The laser itself takes less than a minute per eye. Vision often improves within hours.

SMILE

SMILE uses a single femtosecond laser to create and remove a small disc of corneal tissue through a tiny incision, with no flap involved. The procedure takes a similar amount of time to LASIK, and patients report the same minimal discomfort. Because SMILE preserves more corneal nerves and creates no flap, it suits patients with higher prescriptions or active lifestyles particularly well.

PRK

PRK skips the flap entirely by gently removing the corneal surface cells before the laser reshapes the tissue underneath. The cells regenerate naturally over several days. PRK takes slightly longer to recover from than LASIK or SMILE, but delivers excellent long-term outcomes and works well for patients whose corneal thickness or surface shape makes flap-based procedures less ideal.

After Your Procedure: What to Expect

The first 24 hours call for rest. Your eyes may water, feel gritty, or be sensitive to light, especially after LASIK. SMILE patients often notice milder initial symptoms. PRK patients should expect more pronounced discomfort during the first few days while the surface cells heal. Use your prescribed drops as directed and resist the urge to rub your eyes.

The first week brings rapid improvement for LASIK and SMILE patients, with many returning to work within a day or two. PRK recovery takes longer, typically one to two weeks, before vision stabilizes enough for most daily tasks.

Protect your eyes from water, dust, and potential impact. Avoid swimming pools and hot tubs for at least two weeks and hold off on contact sports until your surgeon clears you.

Attend your follow-up appointments. Your post-operative visits at Visionmax Eye Centre let your surgeon confirm your eyes are healing as expected and address any questions early.

The Bigger Picture

For most patients, laser vision correction ranks among the most straightforward procedures they’ll ever have. The preparation takes more time than the surgery itself, and the recovery moves faster than most expect. A little advance planning means you spend less time wondering and more time enjoying the results.

Questions before your procedure? The team at Visionmax Eye Centre is always happy to walk you through what’s ahead.

Take the Next Step

To learn more about what to do before and after laser vision correction, please schedule your consultation by either filling out the form on this page or by calling (866) 458-1545. We look forward to helping you!