Introduction:
Laser eye surgery aims to improve vision by reshaping the cornea using a laser. There are different types of laser eye surgeries, such as LASIK, PRK, and SMILE, each taking a similar amount of time but employing different techniques. LASIK involves cutting a flap in the cornea, reshaping the tissue, and replacing the flap, typically taking less than 10 minutes per eye. PRK removes the top layers of the cornea to reshape the tissue, also taking around 10 minutes for both eyes. SMILE, a newer technique, shapes a disc in the deeper layers of the eye, which is then removed through a small incision, taking about 20 minutes for both eyes.
After surgery, patients are advised to rest for about 4 hours to ease any discomfort. The following day, a quick check-up is conducted to ensure proper healing before resuming normal activities. Providence Eye offers consultations valid for a year, allowing patients ample time to decide if laser eye surgery is right for them without feeling pressured.
We’ll discuss these topics in this blog:
- What is Laser Eye Surgery?
- How Much Time Does Laser Eye Surgery Take?
- How Much Time Does Laser Eye Surgery Recover?
- Conclusion
- Faq’s
What is Laser Eye Surgery?
Laser eye surgery helps you see better by fixing the shape of your eye’s front part, called the cornea. Think of the cornea as a window that lets light in. Sometimes, this window isn’t shaped quite right, so the light doesn’t focus properly, making things blurry. During the surgery, a fancy laser is used to gently reshape the cornea, so the light can focus better and you can see more clearly. But remember, there are different kinds of eye surgeries, not just laser ones. Some involve putting in new lenses or fixing the natural ones inside your eye to improve your vision.
How Much Time Does Laser Eye Surgery Take?
When you’re getting laser eye surgery, you’ll spend about 2 hours at the clinic. During this time, the doctors will prepare you for the surgery by numbing your eye with special drops, getting you comfy in a reclining chair, and using a tool to keep your eyelids open.
One type of laser eye surgery is called LASIK. It involves cutting a flap in the top layers of your eye, reshaping the tissue underneath with a laser, and then putting the flap back. This whole process usually takes less than 10 minutes for each eye.
Another type is PRK. With PRK, the top layers of your eye are removed so the laser can reshape the tissue underneath. This also takes around 10 minutes for both eyes.
There’s also a newer type called SMILE. With SMILE, instead of cutting a flap, the laser shapes a disc in the deeper layers of your eye, which is then taken out through a small incision. This whole procedure takes about 20 minutes for both eyes.
So, even though there are different types of laser eye surgery, they all take a similar amount of time and are done to help you see better.
How Much Time Does Laser Eye Surgery Recover?
After your laser eye surgery at Providence Eye, Dr. Mozayeni advises you to go home and take a long nap for about 4 hours. This helps ease any mild burning or itching you might feel after the surgery. When you wake up, you’ll likely feel better and notice an improvement in your vision. It’s a good idea to relax and take things easy for the rest of the day.
The next morning, you’ll have a quick 15-minute appointment with Dr. Mozayeni to check how your eyes are healing. If everything looks good, he’ll permit you to drive and resume most of your normal activities.
Your consultation at Providence Eye is valid for a year. If you’re ready, you can schedule your surgery for the same week as your consultation. But if you need more time to think it over, that’s okay too. Providence Eye won’t pressure you into making a decision. They understand it’s a personal choice, and they’re there to answer all your questions whenever you’re ready.
Conclusion
At Providence Eye, you can have a consultation to talk about getting laser eye surgery. This consultation is good for a year, so you have plenty of time to decide if you want the surgery.
During the consultation, you can ask any questions you have and get all the information you need to make the right decision for you. If you’re ready to go ahead with the surgery, you can even schedule it for the same week as your consultation.
But if you need more time to think about it, that’s okay too. Providence Eye won’t pressure you into getting the surgery. They understand it’s a big decision, and they’re there to help you every step of the way.
Faq’s
Q1. How long is the process of laser eye surgery?
A1. It takes around 30 minutes to perform the procedure. However, we usually recommend that patients allow at least four hours for preparation and recovery.
Q2. Is laser eye surgery painful?
A2. In most cases, laser eye surgery is painless. Before the procedure, your surgeon will give you special eye drops to numb your eye. This means you might feel a bit of pressure during the surgery but won’t feel any pain.
Q3. How long does it take to laser one eye?
A3. Depending on the complexity of your prescription, laser eye surgery can take from a few seconds to two minutes, but you will be in and out of the theatre in less than 30 minutes.
Q4. How long is the period for eye laser surgery?
A4. Laser eye surgery involves a few different techniques, though the duration of each operation does not vary greatly. For any type of laser eye surgery, you should allow up to two hours for the procedure to be performed.
Q5. Can I use my phone after LASIK?
A5. LASIK surgery patients can use their phones after surgery, but limiting screen time is recommended initially. Staring at screens for extended periods can cause eye strain and dryness, which can delay healing. Limit screen time after LASIK surgery: Although using your phone after LASIK surgery is generally safe, it’s recommended to limit screen time initially.
Your eyes deserve the best care. Get in-depth eye health info on our blog:
