How Long Does LASIK Take?

LASIK surgery typically takes less than 30 minutes¹https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21805-lasik-eye-surgery , with most patients noticing visual improvement within a day. This article outlines what to expect before, during, and after the procedure, including recovery time and how long results may last.

If you're considering LASIK, one of the first questions you might have is: how long does LASIK take? But as providers of LASIK in Adelaide, we've learned from patients that aside from the duration of the procedure itself, it's helpful to know what to expect at each stage - such as the time it takes for your vision to stabilise.

LASIK is a popular form of laser eye surgery designed to reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses. While the treatment itself is often completed in just minutes, the full experience - from initial consultation to final follow-up - spans several weeks or months.

In this article, we'll walk you through how long LASIK takes from start to finish, what happens on the day of surgery, how long healing typically takes, and how long the results may last. If you're just starting your research or preparing for your first appointment, this guide will help you feel more informed about the timeline and process.

How long does LASIK take from start to finish?

While the LASIK procedure itself takes only a few minutes per eye² https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/lasik-eye-surgery, the overall journey spans several stages, starting well before surgery day and continuing through recovery and long-term care. Understanding the full timeline can help set realistic expectations and ensure you're fully prepared at every step.

The process begins with a comprehensive consultation, where your eyes are thoroughly assessed to determine whether LASIK is a suitable option. This includes measuring your prescription, evaluating the health of your corneas, and discussing your lifestyle and vision goals. If you're a good candidate, the procedure is typically scheduled within a few weeks, depending on availability and your own readiness.

In most cases, you'll attend a pre-operative appointment shortly before surgery, where your surgeon will review your treatment plan, answer final questions, and provide instructions for the day of your procedure. On surgery day, you'll be at the clinic for around 1 to 2 hours in total, although the laser part of the treatment takes only a few minutes per eye³ https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/lasik-eye-surgery.

Recovery starts immediately after the procedure⁴ https://oaveyes.com/blog/unnamed-post-69125# . Most people experience improved vision within the first 24–48 hours⁵ https://oaveyes.com/blog/unnamed-post-69125# , although your eyes will continue to heal and adjust in the weeks that follow⁶ https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/lasik-eye-surgery. Several follow-up appointments are scheduled in the first few months to monitor your progress and address any questions.

For many, vision stabilises within three to six months⁷ https://oaveyes.com/blog/unnamed-post-69125# . During this time, it's important to follow aftercare advice and attend all recommended reviews. While LASIK offers long-lasting results, maintaining healthy eyes and regular check-ups remains important well into the future.

How long does the LASIK procedure itself take?

On the day of your LASIK procedure, you can expect to be at the clinic for around one to two hours⁸https://www.toledo-lasik.com/lasik-expectations. This includes preparation, pre-operative checks, and some time to rest after surgery. However, the laser treatment itself is very quick, typically taking around 10 minutes per eye⁹https://www.laservisiondelaware.com/post/how-long-does-a-lasik-procedure, with only seconds of actual laser time¹⁰https://www.laservisiondelaware.com/post/how-long-does-a-lasik-procedure.

Before the procedure, anaesthetic eye drops are applied¹¹https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21805-lasik-eye-surgery to keep your eyes comfortable. You'll then be guided through to the treatment room, where your surgeon will talk you through each step. Once the procedure is complete, you'll rest briefly before heading home with a companion, as you won't be able to drive immediately afterwards¹²https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21805-lasik-eye-surgery .

Can you blink during LASIK?
Many people worry about blinking or moving during the procedure, but the technology is designed to account for this. A small device is used to gently hold your eyelids open¹³ https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/lasik/what-should-i-expect-during-and-after-surgery so you won't need to worry about blinking. Additionally, modern laser systems include advanced eye-tracking technology that follows even the slightest movement, allowing the laser to remain precisely aligned throughout¹⁴ https://saddlebackeye.com/blog/the-power-of-modern-lasik-eye-surgery-technology.

Is LASIK eye surgery painful?
LASIK is not considered painful as numbing eye drops are used to prevent discomfort¹⁵https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21805-lasik-eye-surgery , so most patients only feel mild pressure during certain parts of the procedure¹⁶ https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/lasik. Some describe a sensation of light pressure or movement, but this passes quickly.

After the procedure, you may experience mild irritation, dryness, or a gritty feeling once the anaesthetic wears off¹⁷https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/lasik-eye-surgery, similar to having something in your eye. Lubricating eye drops are provided to ease any discomfort in the early recovery phase¹⁸ https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/lasik/what-should-i-expect-during-and-after-surgery.

How long does LASIK take to heal?

Initial vision after surgery: Do you see immediately?
Yes, many people notice an improvement in vision within the first few hours after LASIK¹⁹https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21805-lasik-eye-surgery, but this initial clarity is often accompanied by some blurriness, light sensitivity, or a hazy feeling²⁰ https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/lasik-eye-surgery. It's important to rest with your eyes closed for several hours after the procedure²¹ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/procedures/photorefractive-keratectomy, as this supports healing and helps reduce discomfort. While your vision may be noticeably better by the next day, it's still early in the recovery process.

How long after laser eye surgery can you see clearly?
Most patients see clearly enough to resume daily tasks within 24 to 48 hours²² https://www.toledo-lasik.com/lasik-expectations, and many return to work within a day or two²³ https://www.toledo-lasik.com/lasik-expectations. However, visual clarity can continue to fluctuate in the first week, especially in low light or when switching focus. By the end of the first month, vision tends to feel more stable, and side effects such as glare or halos often improve. Full stabilisation typically occurs between three and six months after surgery²⁴ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21805-lasik-eye-surgery.

What affects the healing process?
Several factors can influence how quickly and comfortably your eyes heal after LASIK. These include your general eye health²⁵https://www.exceleye.com/2024/01/19/what-affects-recovery-time-from-lasik/, adherence to aftercare instructions²⁶https://www.exceleye.com/2024/01/19/what-affects-recovery-time-from-lasik/, age²⁷https://www.exceleye.com/2024/01/19/what-affects-recovery-time-from-lasik/, and any pre-existing conditions such as dry eye²⁸https://www.exceleye.com/2024/01/19/what-affects-recovery-time-from-lasik/. It's essential to avoid rubbing your eyes²⁹ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21805-lasik-eye-surgery, follow your aftercare instructions carefully, and attend all follow-up visits.

Environmental factors like exposure to wind, dust, or dry air can also play a role³⁰https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2004/04/040421235442.htm, so protecting your eyes and staying hydrated can support a smooth recovery. If you experience anything unexpected during the healing process, such as worsening vision or persistent discomfort, contact your clinic promptly for advice.

How long does LASIK last?

LASIK permanently reshapes the cornea to correct your current prescription³¹ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21805-lasik-eye-surgery, and for many people, the improvement in vision is long-lasting. However, it's important to understand that while the changes made during surgery don't wear off, your eyes can still change naturally over time.

This means that LASIK doesn't prevent age-related conditions like presbyopia (difficulty focusing up close, typically beginning in your 40s) or cataracts³² https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21805-lasik-eye-surgery , which may require reading glasses or further treatment later in life. In some cases, a minor shift in vision may occur years after surgery, and an enhancement procedure could be considered if appropriate. A 12-year follow-up study found that approximately 10% of eyes exhibited myopic regression, meaning a slight return toward nearsightedness, over the study period³³ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5449750/ .

Understanding vision changes over time
Everyone's eyes continue to age, whether or not they've had LASIK. In the years following surgery, some people may notice gradual changes in clarity, particularly for close-up tasks. This is a natural part of the ageing process, not a sign that LASIK has worn off.

It's also worth noting that LASIK doesn't protect against other eye conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, or dry eye – regular check-ups remain important.

Final thoughts and next steps

LASIK is a well-established procedure that can offer greater visual independence for people with short-sightedness, long-sightedness or astigmatism³⁴https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/lasik. While the laser treatment itself is quick, it's important to think about the full journey from initial consultation and preparation, to recovery, stabilisation, and long-term eye care.

Understanding how long each stage takes can help you plan with confidence. Most people return to normal activities within a few days, but it can take several months for your vision to fully stabilise. While results generally last long term, LASIK doesn't stop your eyes from changing as you age.

Speaking with a qualified eye surgeon is the best way to determine whether LASIK is right for you. They can answer your questions, explain any risks, and help you explore alternatives if LASIK isn't suitable.

How IVISION LASER Can Support You

At IVISION LASER, we're here to guide you through every step of the LASIK process from your first consultation to your final follow-up. We use diagnostic tools to assess your suitability and tailor your treatment plan to your specific needs.

If you're considering laser eye surgery in Adelaide, our team will provide clear, honest advice so you can make an informed decision. To learn more or arrange an assessment, contact us at IVISION LASER.