If you’re thinking about vision correction surgery, you may be wondering: how long does LASIK surgery take? The good news is that the LASIK procedure itself is incredibly quick—typically lasting about 15 minutes per eye.
However, the full process, from your initial consultation with your optometrist to complete recovery, involves several steps. Understanding this timeline can help you feel confident and prepared when considering LASIK or other laser eye surgery options.
What Is LASIK Surgery?
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a type of laser eye surgery designed to correct common vision problems, including:
- Nearsightedness (myopia)
- Farsightedness (hyperopia)
- Astigmatism
The procedure reshapes the cornea so light can focus correctly on the retina, resulting in clearer vision. LASIK is known for its quick recovery time and high success rate, making it one of the most popular vision correction options.
How Long Does the LASIK Process Take?
While the surgery itself is brief, the entire LASIK journey—from consultation to recovery—takes more time. Here’s what to expect:
Initial Consultation (1–2 Hours)
Before undergoing LASIK, a comprehensive eye examination is necessary to determine if you are a suitable candidate. During this appointment, an optometrist will:
- Evaluate your overall eye health.
- Measure your corneal thickness and shape.
- Review your vision prescription.
- Discuss your goals and answer any questions.
This visit typically lasts 1 to 2 hours, as ensuring you are a good candidate is crucial for achieving successful results.
Preparation Before Surgery (A Few Days to a Week)
After being approved for surgery, you’ll receive specific instructions to follow leading up to the procedure, such as:
- Stop wearing contact lenses for at least a week before surgery.
- Avoid eye makeup and lotions on the day of surgery.
- Arrange for transportation as you will not be able to drive immediately after the procedure.
These preparation steps help reduce the risk of complications and ensure your corneas are in their natural state for accurate treatment.
Surgery Day (15 Minutes Per Eye)
On the day of your LASIK procedure, you’ll likely spend about 30 minutes at the clinic, although the actual laser application takes only 10 to 15 minutes per eye. The process typically involves:
- Eye numbing drops: Applied to ensure comfort during the procedure.
- Corneal flap creation: A thin flap is created on the cornea’s surface.
- Laser reshaping: The cornea is reshaped to correct your vision.
- Flap repositioning: The flap is carefully placed back into position, where it naturally heals.
Patients often describe feeling slight pressure, but the procedure is not typically painful.
Recovery After LASIK (1 Day to a Few Weeks)
Most patients notice improved vision within 24 hours, though full recovery can take several weeks. Here’s a general recovery timeline:
- First 24–48 hours: Expect mild discomfort, light sensitivity, and blurry vision as your eyes begin healing.
- Follow-up appointment: Typically scheduled the day after surgery to ensure proper healing.
- Returning to normal activities: Many patients resume work and daily tasks within 1–3 days, but strenuous activities should be avoided for at least a week.
- Complete healing: Vision stabilizes over a few weeks to 3 months, with occasional follow-up visits.
What Is PRK Surgery?
While LASIK is the most well-known laser eye surgery, Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) is another effective option. PRK was the first type of laser eye surgery and is still performed today, especially for patients who may not be ideal candidates for LASIK.
The primary difference between PRK and LASIK is how the surgeon accesses the cornea:
- PRK: The outer layer of the cornea (epithelium) is removed entirely before reshaping the cornea with a laser. The epithelium grows back naturally during the healing process, which can take several days.
- LASIK: A thin flap is created on the cornea, lifted during the reshaping process, and repositioned afterward.
Why Some Patients Choose PRK
PRK may be recommended if you have:
- Thin corneas: PRK does not require creating a flap, making it safer for patients with thinner corneal tissue.
- Risk of flap complications: Individuals in professions or activities with a higher risk of eye trauma may prefer PRK since there is no flap that could become dislodged.
While PRK has a longer recovery period than LASIK—typically taking a few weeks for vision to stabilize—the visual outcomes are often comparable.
Comparing LASIK & PRK Surgery Times
While both LASIK and PRK surgeries are quick procedures, their recovery times differ significantly. The LASIK procedure typically takes 10 to 15 minutes per eye, and most patients experience clearer vision within 24 to 48 hours. Full visual recovery generally occurs over the course of a few weeks, allowing patients to return to their normal routines relatively quickly.
PRK surgery also takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes per eye, but the recovery period is longer. After PRK, the outer layer of the cornea (epithelium) needs time to regenerate, which can result in several days of discomfort and blurred vision. It can take a few weeks to months for vision to fully stabilize following PRK.
While LASIK offers a faster recovery, PRK remains a valuable option for individuals with thin corneas or those whose lifestyles involve physical activities where the corneal flap created during LASIK might pose a risk. Both procedures ultimately provide similar vision correction outcomes, and your optometrist can help determine which is better suited to your eyes and daily activities.
Your optometrist will help determine which option suits your eyes and lifestyle best.
Is Laser Eye Surgery Right for You?
Both LASIK and PRK are considered safe and effective for correcting vision. Ideal candidates typically:
- Are over 18 years old.
- Have stable vision for at least a year.
- Have healthy eyes, with no conditions like keratoconus or severe dry eye.
- Are not pregnant or breastfeeding.
An eye care professional can evaluate your eye health and recommend the most appropriate procedure based on your corneal thickness, prescription, and overall eye condition.
Start Your Journey to Clear Vision
The LASIK procedure itself takes about 15 minutes per eye, but the overall process—from consultation to full recovery—takes time and careful planning. For some patients, PRK surgery may be a better fit, offering similar vision correction results with a slightly different recovery process.
At Queensway Optometric Centre, we offer laser eye surgery consultations to help determine if LASIK, PRK, or another vision correction option is right for you. Our experienced team works closely with leading ophthalmologists to ensure you receive the best care possible.
Contact Queensway Optometric Centre in Mississauga today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward clearer vision.
