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Article ID: 42151
Title: How Long Does LASIK Surgery Last?
By: Rachel Mork

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How Long Does LASIK Surgery Last?

Are you wondering how long does LASIK surgery last? Are you concerned that you might not be able to handle the procedure? Are you craving vision correction, but need to know the facts before you can commit to the surgery?

You’re not alone. It’s scary to imagine someone working on your eyes. However, LASIK surgeons are happy to explain exactly what will happen during your procedure including how long the surgery will take and what you will feel during and after. This primer will give you a good idea of what the average LASIK surgery experience is like.

The word LASIK stands for Laser Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis. LASIK surgery is a method of correcting vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. This is done by creating a thin flap on the surface of your cornea and then using a laser to remove part of the cornea. This removal process reshapes your cornea, correcting your vision. The flap is laid back down where it seals back in place, protecting the interior of the cornea again.

The procedure itself is not painful. The optometrist will use analgesic drops to numb the eye area and will use instruments to hold your eyelids open. You will be cradled in such a way that you will not have to worry about moving during the surgery or accidentally disrupting the surgery process. The process usually takes between 10-15 minutes per eye or a total of 20-30 minutes for the entire procedure. Once the procedure is over, you will need to have someone drive you home. You may feel irritation and experience swelling of the eyes; this is because the eye surface has been tampered with and your eyelids held open for this extended period of time. You should not experience pain beyond general discomfort.

You should experience vision improvement quickly. Most people notice vision improvement the following day, but it is not uncommon for it to take as long as two weeks after the surgery for vision to improve completely. Most people can drive the following day, but some will need someone else to drive for a week or so. LASIK surgery should be permanent in nature. It is possible for your prescription to change as you age, but most people do not need a second LASIK procedure done.