How Long Does LASIK Surgery Take?

LASIK eye surgery is a popular solution to a common problem: poor vision. Roughly 700,000 people get LASIK every year, and 95% of those patients have 20/20 or better vision as a result. With one simple and virtually painless surgery, you can experience vision that may change your life.

At Tylock-George Eye Care, we’ve used LASIK surgery to help thousands of patients get clearer vision than they’ve ever had before. With over 40 years of combined experience, we can answer every question you have, from your first consultation to your final follow-up.

One of the most common questions we hear at the beginning of this process is also one of the simplest: how long does LASIK take?

LASIK surgery doesn’t take a long time at all. The average patient spends about 30 minutes in the operating room, with prep and post-surgery downtime included. The process of surgery itself usually ranges from 5 to 20 minutes — about 5-10 minutes per eye.

What Is LASIK?

LASIK is a painless, outpatient laser eye surgery during which an eye surgeon reshapes your cornea. This helps your cornea to focus light better, which directly improves your vision.

Your cornea is the transparent layer at the front of your eye. It focuses light into your eye’s lens, which processes that light into images. If your corneas are even slightly misshapen, your eyes won’t be able to focus properly, which can lead to what we call “refractive” vision issues:

• myopia (nearsightedness)
• hyperopia (farsightedness)
• astigmatism

During your LASIK surgery at Tylock-George, a laser will be used to painlessly reshape your cornea, correcting your vision. It’s a small adjustment, but the impact it can make is enormous.

Why Should I Get LASIK Eye Surgery?

LASIK eye surgery is among the quickest and most effective solutions to some extremely common vision issues. The fact that it’s an outpatient procedure that can change your vision in such a small amount of time can’t be overstated.

While LASIK surgery costs more at once than a single pair of glasses or a year of contacts, you won’t have to worry about these expenses every year, saving money in the long run. You’ll also enjoy the peace of mind that comes with no longer worrying about eyewear while traveling, shopping, going to movies, or exercising.

With LASIK, you’ll get a renewed perspective on the smaller things in life, like driving with the windows down, going for a swim, or looking up at the night sky. Being able to see the beauty of life’s simple pleasures can make all the difference in the world.

How Long Does Laser Eye Surgery Take?

LASIK is very quick from start to finish. The laser part of the surgery can take less than a minute, and as little as 20 seconds. Including preparation and immediate recovery, your entire LASIK experience will usually take about 30 minutes.

While you’ll be in the operating room for only about a half hour, Dr. George and his team will provide an additional exam on the day of your procedure to ensure successful LASIK surgery. This, and other matters like paperwork and initial recovery, may cause your entire visit to last a little longer.

Can You See Immediately After LASIK?

After LASIK eye surgery, your eyes will need some time to adjust. This process usually only takes around 24 hours, at which point most patients report that they start to notice their improved vision. So, while LASIK surgery itself can only take seconds, your appointment will take a half hour or more, and you will see results in 24 hours.

Because of the time it takes your eyes to adjust, you won’t be fit to drive immediately after. This means that you’ll need someone who can take you home after your procedure. You should wait to drive until you receive clearance to do so from your eye surgeon.

Is LASIK Painful?

Because of the local numbing agent used before your LASIK eye surgery, the procedure is completely painless. At most, you may experience a slight pressure on your eye.

After your procedure, you may have some slight discomfort, experience a gritty sensation, or feel like there’s something in your eye. These symptoms aren’t experienced by every LASIK patient and are minor when they occur. If you do experience any discomfort, it will subside within a couple of hours.

Once you’re more than a day out from your LASIK surgery, recovery is usually a breeze. Your eye will naturally heal from the surgery, and soon, you’ll be adjusted to your new and improved vision.

LASIK Eye Surgery at Tylock-George Eye Care

Our medical team is led by Michael George, M.D., and under his leadership, Tylock-George has become a trusted LASIK provider in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. With over 40 years of combined experience, our surgeons and staff can provide an informed, safe, and considerate LASIK experience.

We utilize the latest in laser eye technologies to further ensure your safety and comfort. We’re proud to be the first in Texas to provide CONTOURA^® Vision topography-guided LASIK. The most advanced LASIK equipment on the market, CONTOURA^® Vision can be customized to your needs for the best possible outcomes.

To learn more about what Tylock-George and LASIK can do for you, please call us at (972) 316-9851, or schedule an appointment online.