Laser Eye Surgery: Frequently Asked Questions

How painful is the procedure?

The laser eye surgery procedure is fairly painless because the doctor will anesthetize your cornea and eye prior the procedure. However, you may feel little to moderate discomfort during surgery. Some patients have claimed to experience a "scratchy feeling" during the surgery. After the anesthetic fades, the amount of pain you'll feel varies depending on the individual. But, the pain commonly subsides after a few hours.

How long do I have to wait to get back to normal?

Some people return back to their daily routine usually after a day following the surgery. However, most people wait up to three days before returning back to work.

What common side effects should I expect?

The most common side effects reported after surgery include: the halo effect and slightly distorted night vision that produces a glare around lights. (Read also about risks of laser eye surgery.)

How long does the surgery last?

Laser eye surgery takes about 15 to 40 seconds to complete, depending on the type of vision correction needed. Time to recover from this treatment is minimal; the patient can generally go home after 30 minutes following the surgery. Your sight often improves 3 to 5 days after receiving the laser treatment.

Is the vision improvement permanent?

Yes, according to the results reported in the U.S. and internationally, vision improvement from the laser treatment appears to be permanent. However, since the eye changes as people age, re-treatments may be necessary with aging.

Is there something I should avoid doing after surgery?

After surgery, avoid rubbing your eyes. Other than that, patients can do what they normally do, unless instructed by their doctors. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully following laser treatment.

What if I move my head during surgery?

This is the most common question asked by patients before undergoing eye surgery. And if you do move your head, your surgeon will remove his foot from the pedal that controls the ultraviolet beam. Your surgeon will adjust the beam and realign it with your cornea before commencing with the surgery.

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