Laser Eye Surgery

Laser Eye Surgery in India - What to Expect During the Procedure?

Laser eye surgery can correct vision problems like short-sightedness, long-sightedness, and astigmatism. This short explains what happens on the day of your procedure, from arrival at the clinic to the moments just after the treatment is complete.

Before the procedure begins

On the day of your surgery, several checks are performed to ensure everything is ready.

• Final checks. The team will review your eye measurements and the treatment plan. You may be asked some final questions about your health.
• Numbing drops. Anaesthetic eye drops are applied to numb your eyes completely. You will be awake during the procedure, but you should not feel any pain.
• Cleaning the area. The area around your eyes is cleaned to reduce the risk of infection. You will be asked to lie down on a bed under the laser system.
• Keeping your eye open. A small instrument, called a speculum, is used to gently hold your eyelids open. This prevents you from blinking during the surgery.

What happens during the laser treatment

The surgery itself is very quick, usually lasting only a few minutes for each eye.

• Creating the flap. For LASIK, the most common type, the surgeon creates a thin flap on the surface of your cornea. You may feel a brief sensation of pressure.
• Reshaping the cornea. You will be asked to focus on a target light. The laser then reshapes the underlying corneal tissue to correct your vision.
• The laser sound. You may hear a clicking or ticking sound as the laser works. This is normal. The procedure is usually painless.
• Replacing the flap. Once the reshaping is complete, the surgeon carefully repositions the corneal flap. It begins to heal naturally without the need for stitches.

Immediately after surgery

• Resting your eyes. Your eyes will be checked one more time. You will then be taken to a recovery area to rest for a short period.
• Protective shields. You are usually given protective shields or glasses to wear. This is to stop you from accidentally rubbing your eyes.
• Blurry vision. It is normal for your vision to be blurry or hazy at first. Your eyes may also feel gritty or watery, but this should improve within a few hours.
• Going home. You cannot drive yourself home after the procedure. You must arrange for someone to collect you from the hospital or clinic.

The suitability of laser eye surgery depends on many factors, including your prescription, corneal thickness, and overall eye health. A final decision can only be made after an ophthalmic surgeon has reviewed your personal medical reports and recent eye examinations.