What to Expect on the Day of LASIK Surgery?

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Ophthalmologist/ Eye Surgeon 13+ Years Exp

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The day you’ve scheduled your LASIK surgery can feel like a major milestone, filled with both excitement for a life without glasses and a natural sense of apprehension.

Knowing exactly what the day entails can help calm those nerves and allow you to focus on the positive outcome: clearer vision. This guide is here to walk you through every step of the process.

We will provide a detailed, minute-by-minute account of your LASIK surgery day, from the final preparations at home to the moment you leave the clinic.

We’ll cover what happens before, during, and immediately after the procedure, so you can feel confident and well-prepared for this life-changing day.

How Should You Prepare on the Morning of Your Surgery?

Your preparation for LASIK begins before you even leave your house. Following these simple steps ensures you arrive ready and helps the procedure go as smoothly as possible.

Final Checks at Home

No Eye Makeup or Lotions: Do not wear any eye makeup, creams, perfumes, or lotions on the day of your surgery. These products can increase the risk of infection or interfere with the laser equipment.
Comfortable Clothing: Wear warm, comfortable clothes. The surgical suite is often kept cool to maintain optimal conditions for the laser technology.
Arrange Transportation: You will not be able to drive yourself home after the procedure. Ensure you have arranged for a friend, family member, or a taxi service to pick you up and take you home.
Light Meal: Have a light meal and stay hydrated before your appointment, unless your lasik surgeon has given you specific instructions to the contrary.

What Should You Bring on the Day of LASIK?

Keep it simple. You won’t need much, and it’s best to leave valuables at home.

What to Bring	What to Leave at Home
Your identification	Jewellery
Any required paperwork	Contact lenses (don’t wear them)
Your designated driver’s contact info	Valuables and large bags
A form of payment, if needed	Your own eye drops

What Happens When You Arrive at the Clinic?

Upon arrival, the clinical team will guide you through the final pre-operative steps. This part of the process is designed to ensure everything is perfect for your procedure.

The Check-In and Final Consultation

First, you’ll complete any remaining paperwork and handle payments. Afterwards, you will meet with the clinical team or your surgeon one last time. This is an excellent opportunity to ask any last-minute questions you might have. They will review the procedure with you again and confirm your consent.

Final Eye Measurements

Even though you have had extensive pre-operative testing, the team will often take one final set of measurements. This is a crucial quality-control step to confirm the data programmed into the laser is a perfect match for your eyes on the day of the surgery.

Preparing for the Procedure

Once all checks are complete, you will be given anaesthetic eye drops. These drops completely numb your eyes, ensuring you feel no pain during the surgery. You may also be offered a mild sedative, like a small tablet, to help you relax. You will then be escorted to a waiting area to allow the drops and sedative to take effect.

What Happens During the LASIK Surgery?

This is the part that most people are curious about. The entire procedure is remarkably quick and efficient.

How Long Does LASIK Surgery Take?

The LASIK procedure itself is very fast. You can expect to be in the laser suite for about 10 to 15 minutes in total. The laser application for each eye typically lasts less than 60 seconds.

The Step-by-Step LASIK Procedure

1.Positioning: You will be asked to lie down on a comfortable bed under the laser system. Your surgeon will talk you through the entire process, letting you know what is happening at each stage.

2.Keeping Your Eye Open: A small instrument called a lid speculum will be gently placed to hold your eyelids open. This prevents you from blinking. Thanks to the numbing drops, you will not feel discomfort from this.

3.Creating the Flap: Your surgeon will use either a femtosecond laser or a microkeratome to create a thin, hinged flap on the surface of your cornea. You may feel a slight pressure sensation during this part, but it is not painful.

4.Reshaping the Cornea: The corneal flap is gently lifted, and you will be asked to focus on a target light. The excimer laser, which has been pre-programmed with your unique eye measurements, will then precisely remove microscopic amounts of tissue to reshape your cornea. The laser makes a soft clicking or ticking sound.

5.Repositioning the Flap: After the laser has finished, the surgeon carefully repositions the flap. It naturally adheres back into place within minutes, acting like a natural bandage. No stitches are required.

6.The Second Eye: The same process is then repeated on your other eye.

What to Expect Immediately After LASIK Surgery?

Once the procedure is complete for both eyes, the next phase of your journey begins: recovery.

The First Few Minutes

Your surgeon will examine your eyes with a slit lamp to ensure the corneal flap is perfectly positioned. You will be given protective eye shields or sunglasses to wear. Your vision will likely be foggy or misty, similar to looking through steam. This is completely normal.

Resting Before Going Home

You will be guided to a recovery room to rest for about 20 to 30 minutes. The medical team will monitor you and provide you with your post-operative instructions and a kit containing eye drops. They will explain the eye drop schedule, which is critical for healing and preventing infection.

The Journey Home

With your protective shields on, your designated driver can take you home. It’s recommended to keep your eyes closed during the car ride to minimise light sensitivity and promote comfort. The primary goal once you get home is to rest.

Key Takeaways

1.Preparation is Simple: Arrive with a clean face, wear comfortable clothes, and have a driver arranged.

2.The Procedure is Painless and Quick: Numbing drops ensure you feel no pain, and the laser portion takes less than a minute per eye.

3.Expect Blurry Vision Immediately After: Your vision will be foggy or misty right after surgery, which is normal.

4.Rest is Crucial: The most important thing to do after you get home is to rest your eyes by sleeping or relaxing with them closed for several hours.

5.Follow Instructions: Adhering to your eye drop schedule and post-operative care instructions is essential for a successful outcome.

Ready to experience clear vision? Trust the experts at Envision LASIK Centre, the top LASIK surgeons in Hyderabad, to guide you safely through every step. Book your consultation today and take the first step toward a life without glasses!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is LASIK surgery painful?
A: No, LASIK surgery is not painful. Your eyes are completely numbed with powerful anaesthetic eye drops before the procedure begins. You may feel a slight pressure sensation, but you will not feel pain.

Q: Can I blink during LASIK surgery?
A: No, you cannot blink during the procedure. A small medical device called a lid speculum is used to gently hold your eyelids open, preventing you from blinking.

Q: What if I move my eye during the procedure?
A: Modern LASIK lasers are equipped with advanced eye-tracking technology. This system monitors your eye’s position hundreds of times per second and will automatically adjust or pause the laser if your eye moves too much, ensuring a precise and safe treatment.

Q: How soon will I be able to see after LASIK?
A: Most patients notice a significant improvement in their vision within the first 24 hours. However, your vision will be blurry or hazy immediately after the procedure. Clarity typically improves dramatically after a night’s rest.