Laser eye surgery - as quick and easy as they say?

Published on 19th July 2010

When you hear somebody characterise laser eye surgery as quick and easy, you can say that they are half correct. The procedure does not take long to complete, but it still takes a practiced hand and some extremely technical equipment to complete successfully. The fact that the technology has come so far and the procedure is so effective simply means that you get to enjoy how fast it is.

When you go to have laser eye surgery done, they will start by giving you a consultation to make sure that you are a suitable candidate. If that is determined to be the case, then you will be booked for an appointment. When you go in to have the procedure done, they will give you eye drops that will numb the eyes. They will then use either an instrument called a microkeratome or a femtosecond laser to create the flap on the outside of the eye.

Once this is complete, a laser will reshape the cornea of your eye so that it can focus light properly. This is the part of laser vision correction that takes only a few seconds. What takes a long time is the training that goes into completing this not only quickly but accurately as the equipment is necessarily complex.

Another part of the procedure that is surprisingly fast for most people is the recovery time. Many patients report that they can see clearly as soon as they open their eyes. Some people find that it takes a few hours or even a few days in certain cases to see the full effects of the laser eye treatment. There is very little chance of having complications from laser eye surgery and when they do happen, they are generally quite mild.

If you have been considering laser eye surgery, make an appointment to talk to somebody who can explain the procedure in detail and let you know whether you are a candidate for laser vision correction. If so, it can allow you to enjoy a life without the inconvenience of eyeglasses or contact lenses and let you start enjoying clear vision.

All eye surgical procedures carry a level of risk including not obtaining the desired outcome, through to varying levels of visual loss. Your eye surgeon will discuss the risks and benefits, including ones specific to your circumstances, at the time of your pre-operative consultation.