How Long Does Laser Eye Surgery Take?

Patients considering a corrective procedure commonly ask, ‘how long does laser eye surgery take?’ The short answer is that the laser eye surgery itself is an extremely quick procedure.

The laser surgery can range from a few seconds to two minutes, depending on the complexity of your prescription. The whole appointment, including pre and post op procedures, usually takes around thirty minutes in total.

Your Suitablility Examination

Before having the procedure, you will meet with your laser eye surgeon to determine your suitability and potential outcomes. It is recommended that the suitability examination and the surgery itself do not take place on the same day.

At your suitability appointment your surgeon will discuss your past and present medical conditions, eye related or otherwise. You will then discuss the risks and benefits of laser eye surgery, and the surgeon will explain what you should expect before, during and after the procedure.

If the surgeon deems you a suitable candidate, and you are happy to go ahead with the surgery, you will arrange the date and time of the procedure. This should no more than a month or two after your eye exam.

Laser Eye Surgery Procedure: What To Expect

The laser procedure appointment will last no more than 30 minutes. This includes prep time before, and rest time after the surgery.

Immediately after a laser eye procedure patients experience blurry vision which lasts just 3 to 4 hours so do not expect to drive home.

After the surgery itself you will have your first post-op eye exam. Once your consultant confirms that the surgery was successful, you will be allowed to go home. However, because of the blurry vision, you will not be able to drive and will need to make arrangements for getting home.

Initial Recovery Time

It is recommended you take a nap and relax for the rest of the day after the surgery. The immediate recovery period from laser eye surgery is about 6 to 12 hours, but it varies by patient, depending on several factors. Most patients see clearly within 24 hours.

Next Day

The day after your laser eye surgery procedure, you will return to see your surgeon so they can assess how you are healing.

Most patients are cleared by the surgeon to return to driving and work after this first aftercare visit. At this point you will be permitted to work but it is recommended that you take a couple of additional days off to rest if you can.

First Week

You should not engage in strenuous exercise for the week after your surgery, as it can interfere with your healing process. You should also avoid wearing eye makeup for a week, as well.

Your surgeon will prescribe various eye drops to be used for a few weeks. These will speed up the healing process, fight any potential infection, and combat dry eye syndrome.

A small number of patients may experience a spot of blood on the white of the eye but this is nothing to worry about and will clear up within two weeks.

Aftercare

At our surgery you will be required to come back after a week for another quick examination, then again in a month, three months and six months. This is to ensure the best possible results and is all included in the cost. You will be officialy discharged after that but can come back to us annually for a free check-up if you wish.

How Do I Start?

We offer the best value in Ireland along with the best aftercare process that is all included in our transparent pricing. 

You can start the process by calling us anytime on 01-280 9248 to discuss any aspect of laser eye surgery including the financial side such as costs, tax relief and payment plans.

The first step on the clinical side is normally to have a quick discussion with our eye surgeon after which you can book in for your suitablity exam.

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