Laser Eye Surgery - During Surgery
Last Updated on Monday, 21 December 2009 11:04
What to Expect On the Day of Laser Eye Surgery
The day of your eye surgery appointment, your eye doctor may perform another brief exam. They will then offer you an oral medication to help you relax for the procedure. The surgery itself is very short, and usually takes less than half an hour for both eyes.
During surgery, you will lie back on a reclining chair or exam table in the surgical room. Surgery is performed on one eye at a time. A numbing drop will be placed in your eye, and the area around your eye will be cleaned. Your eye lid will be held open with a device called a speculum, to prevent you from blinking.
A suction ring will be placed on your eye. If you are undergoing LASIK, the flap will be cut next using a device called a microkeratome, then the suction will be removed and your vision will dim. For both LASIK and PRK, the laser will then be positioned over your eye, and you will be asked to stare at a light.
You will hear a clicking sound from the laser, and might smell an odd odor while the laser is operating. After the laser is done reshaping your cornea, your doctor will replace and smooth the flap if you are having LASIK.
Immediately after surgery, your doctor may put drops in you eyes and/or place special protective bandages over them. You will rest for a while in the office, and then be allowed to go home.
