What to Expect on LASIK Surgery Day
Surgery Day at a Glance
Outpatient Procedure
Performed at our Ambulatory Surgery Centers in Idaho Falls and Twin Falls.
20–30 Minutes
Your time in our surgical suite will only take 20–30 minutes.
Approximately 2 Hours
Your total surgery day visit will take approximately 2 hours.
LASIK is an outpatient procedure that is performed at our Ambulatory Surgery Centers in Idaho Falls and Twin Falls. Our entire team will work hard to make you as comfortable and relaxed as possible during your surgery day visit which will take approximately 2 hours. Although your time in our surgical suite will only take 20-30 minutes, we need a little extra time to have you complete last-minute paperwork and rest before and after the procedure.
If you are feeling especially anxious, we can provide relaxation medication to help calm your nerves.
What Happens During LASIK
01
Preparing for the Procedure
- You will be lying down in a comfortable position on the surgical bed. The surgeon will be sitting directly behind your head.
- Numbing anesthetic eye drops will be placed into your eyes.
- Your doctor will perform one last check on your vision.
02
Preparing the Eye
- A special tool will be placed into your eyes to keep your eyes open.
- Your doctor will create a thin flap on your cornea. You may feel a sensation of pressure during this part.
- The flap is folded back to allow access to the underlying corneal tissue.
03
Reshaping the Cornea
- An excimer laser is used to reshape the cornea by removing small amounts of corneal tissue according to your unique refractive error.
- This step takes just minutes to accomplish.
- Eye tracking technology will detect the slightest eye movement and stop the laser until the eye is in perfect position again.
- The flap is folded back into position where it begins to heal immediately.
04
Final Check and Going Home
- You will then rest in our pre-op suite and your doctor will perform one final check of your eyes.
- When your doctor gives the green light, you will be free to have a friend or family member drive you home so you can rest.
- The next morning most patients wake up to life with clear vision, although it may take a few months for your vision to completely stabilize.
After LASIK Surgery at Idaho Eye and Laser Center in Southeast Idaho
It is important to avoid rubbing your eyes while your corneal flap heals to avoid infection or other complications. Discuss any of these conditions at your post-op appointment and contact your doctor if they continue.
Some patients experience temporary eye discomfort after LASIK surgery including:
Mild pain
Itching or burning
Hazy vision
Watering
Light sensitivity
Dry eyes
Are you ready for clear vision without corrective lenses?
Schedule a free LASIK Screening now!
*Vision results may vary.