How Long Does a LASIK Procedure Take?

LASIK is the most commonly performed laser eye surgery used to correct myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism. LASIK, which stands for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, improves vision by reshaping the cornea. Your cornea is the clear front surface of your eye. Many vision imperfections, including nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism, occur because the shape of the cornea does not allow light to properly focus on the back of the eye. LASIK utilizes laser technology to precisely reshape the cornea to allow light to enter the eye at the proper angle for improved vision.  

In most cases, laser eye surgery is pain-free and completed within 30 minutes for both eyes. The results, improved vision without eyeglasses or contact lenses, can usually be seen in as little as 24 hours.

In the quick LASIK laser eye surgery procedure time, the following steps are performed:

Creating a Corneal Flap – For LASIK to work, the laser beams must reach the inner region of the cornea. Tidewater Eye in Cheasapeke, Virginia Beach, and Portsmouth offers the safest technology and utilizes the all-laser approach when creating the flap.

Reshaping the cornea – Once the flap is folded back, Our Doctors use the laser to correct corneal imperfections in just a few seconds. This highly specialized laser uses a cool ultraviolet light beam to remove microscopic amounts of tissue from the cornea to reshape it so it more accurately focuses light on the retina for improved vision.

Replacing the Flap – After the cornea has been reshaped, Our Doctors puts the flap back into place and it immediately begins to re-bond with the surrounding tissue. Because of the natural bonding qualities of the corneal tissue, effective healing begins immediately without stitches.

To find out if LASIK is right for you, contact Tidewater Eye at 757-483-0400 or website to schedule a consultation.