If you’re looking for answers to the questions you have about LASIK and other laser eye surgery procedures, such as PRK and Blended Vision, here are some of the most common concerns we hear. Don’t see your question here? Check out our FAQ for even more answers.
Does it hurt?
During surgery, there’s little or no pain, but there can be some pain and discomfort during the recovery period. With LASIK, up to six hours of discomfort post-surgery is possible, although uncommon. PRK takes a little longer. You might feel some burning, or a sensation similar to having an eyelash in your eye for a few days during the initial healing.
What if I move my eye or blink?
An active tracking system on the laser tracks every movement of your eye. Movements beyond its range trigger a pause, so the laser only ever treats the target area. As for blinking, a small device helps hold your eye open during the procedure, numbing drops take away the urge to blink, and your other eye is covered. These are common patient concerns prior to surgery, but in our experience, almost never an issue during the actual procedure.
How long will it take?
The actual procedure only takes a few minutes for each eye. But you should plan on about an hour for the whole process from paperwork to completion. Recovery time varies depending on whether you have had LASIK or PRK surgery. You should expect to take a day off work after LASIK. Our recommendation for PRK is to plan on a week off work if you do not have a flexible schedule, even though most recoveries only take a few days.
Will I get night vision problems?
This is a persistent question, in part because of the limitations of the earliest laser eye surgery procedures. Now more accurate lasers, advances in treatment, and rigorous pre-operative testing have all but eliminated the risk of permanent, debilitating impacts on night vision. Some halos and starbursts may be experienced for a few months post-operatively as the cornea heals, but this is a normal side-effect of the surgery that goes away over time.
What about dry eyes?
Another common concern, as dry eyes can be a reason why we will recommend prospective patients should not have laser eye surgery. Laser Vision Correction dehydrates the corneal surface and can temporarily cause dry eye syndrome after surgery. It’s usually mild, lasting 1-2 months, but can last longer, particularly if the patient had a pre-existing dry eye problem. Thankfully, ReStasis™ eyedrops have delivered some excellent results in treating dry eyes related to LASIK and PRK. We will test your eyes for any dryness issues as part of our initial testing however. If we don’t think you are a suitable candidate, we’ll advise against the procedure.
Additional information
Doing your research before choosing laser eye surgery just makes sense. That’s why we’ve provided a comprehensive resource library for you to access before you book that first appointment with BoydVision. It has detailed information on LASIK procedures, health regulations, eye care, and laser eye technology – everything you need to help you make an informed choice. If you’re ready to find out if you’re a good candidate for laser eye surgery, book a free consultation and find out if LASIK, PRK, or blended vision is an option for you.