It is normal to have plenty of questions before getting laser or LASIK eye surgery. From obvious questions (like “does it hurt?”) to the weirder ones (“what colour is the laser?”), our team is always happy to shed some light on anything in the world of laser eye surgery.
We compiled a list of answers to some of the most frequently asked questions our team receives on a regular basis. If you have any questions on your mind that aren’t listed below, feel free to contact our laser eye center or book a consultation with Dr. Boyd and we can answer any questions you may have!
Does it Hurt?
No! Thanks to the numbing drops applied before the procedure, laser eye surgery is generally pain-free. Most patients only feel a bit of pressure and discomfort on the eye during the procedure. After the procedure is completed, the patient may continue to feel a bit of discomfort (similar to the feeling of having an eyelash in your eye) for a few days during recovery.
How Long is the Operation?
Patients receiving LASIK surgery are only in the operating room for about 20 minutes. The actual procedure, however, only takes about a few minutes per eye. Patients should still expect to be in the office for at least an hour though due to paperwork and operation preparation.
What If I Move My Eyes During the Procedure?
A tracking system ensures that every movement your eye makes is tracked correctly by the laser. If an eye moves out of range of the tracker, the laser stops. A small device is used to hold the eyelid in place and numbing drops are provided before your operation to reduce the urge to blink. With all of these systems and devices in place, you won’t need to worry about eye movement during your procedure.
How Long Does It Take to Recover?
Recovery times can vary depending on the procedure. In some procedures, such as LASIK surgery, recovery can be only a few days. Other operations such as PRK surgery can take a week or longer for your vision to stabilize. Our team will always walk you through a procedure’s recovery time during your consultation.
For more information about laser and LASIK eye surgery, our blog has a wealth of information that is sure to answer your questions, You can also reach out to our team directly or book a consultation to help you learn more about laser eye surgery and find the operation that is right for you.