How Long Does LASIK Surgery Take: Brinton Vision Explains the Procedure and What Patients Should Expect

St. Louis, Missouri -

LASIK surgery has transformed the way people correct their vision, offering a quick, precise, and effective alternative to glasses and contact lenses. Yet many prospective patients hesitate, wondering about the time commitment involved. Brinton Vision, a leader in LASIK and refractive surgery, is addressing these concerns in a newly revised article titled “How Long Does LASIK Surgery Take?” The article provides a comprehensive breakdown of the LASIK procedure, detailing the time required for each step and clarifying common misconceptions about the length of surgery.

For those considering LASIK, one of the most surprising facts is just how little time the actual procedure takes. The laser portion of LASIK typically lasts only a few minutes per eye, with the entire surgery completed in about 15 minutes. Despite its brevity, the procedure delivers life-changing results, significantly reducing or eliminating the need for corrective eyewear. However, Brinton Vision emphasizes that the total time spent at the surgery center is longer, usually around two to three hours, to allow for check-in, preparation, and a short observation period after surgery. Understanding this timeline can help patients plan accordingly and alleviate unnecessary concerns about the duration of their visit.

The process begins with a thorough preoperative assessment, ensuring each patient is a good candidate for LASIK. Brinton Vision uses advanced diagnostic technology during the Brinton Vision Ocular Analysis (BVOA), which takes about 90 minutes and provides a highly detailed, three-dimensional evaluation of the patient’s eyes. This technology enables precise measurements and personalized treatment planning, ensuring the best possible surgical outcomes. Patients must also be prepared for pre-surgery requirements, such as discontinuing contact lens wear in the weeks leading up to their evaluation, as contacts can temporarily alter the shape of the cornea.

On the day of surgery, patients arrive at Brinton Vision and undergo final preparations, including a review of their treatment plan and administration of numbing eye drops to ensure comfort. Many are surprised to learn that the most time-consuming part of the visit is not the surgery itself but the preparation and post-operative monitoring. Once the patient is ready, the LASIK procedure begins with the creation of a corneal flap using a femtosecond laser. This step is completed in approximately 18 seconds per eye. The excimer laser then reshapes the cornea with extreme precision, making adjustments as fine as 0.25 microns—smaller than a fraction of a grain of sand. The flap is then repositioned, and healing begins immediately.

While LASIK is known for its quick and efficient nature, patients often ask whether certain factors, such as prescription strength or astigmatism, extend the surgery time. According to Brinton Vision, the length of the procedure remains largely the same, even for individuals with higher prescriptions or astigmatism. The technology used in LASIK surgery is designed to correct a wide range of refractive errors with minimal impact on timing.

After the procedure, patients remain at Brinton Vision for a brief observation period before being discharged with detailed post-operative instructions. While vision improvements are often noticeable within hours, full stabilization may take a few weeks. Most patients resume their normal activities within a day or two, with follow-up visits scheduled to monitor the healing process. Brinton Vision’s commitment to patient care extends well beyond surgery day, ensuring that every patient experiences a smooth recovery and achieves the best possible vision results.

Brinton Vision’s article also addresses common concerns, such as whether both eyes are treated during the same visit and how long recovery typically takes. LASIK is almost always performed on both eyes simultaneously to ensure a balanced outcome and streamline recovery. Additionally, while the corneal tissue begins healing immediately after surgery, patients should expect minor fluctuations in vision as their eyes adjust. These variations are normal and typically resolve within the first few weeks. For those concerned about long-term results, Brinton Vision notes that LASIK provides lasting vision correction, though some individuals may eventually need reading glasses due to natural age-related changes.

The new article is part of Brinton Vision’s ongoing effort to educate patients about LASIK and provide transparency around the procedure. By addressing the time commitment required for surgery and debunking common misconceptions, the practice aims to help individuals make informed decisions about their vision correction options. With a focus on advanced technology and patient-centered care, Brinton Vision continues to be a trusted resource for those seeking high-quality refractive surgery.

For reporters interested in covering advancements in LASIK technology, patient experiences, or the science behind laser vision correction, Brinton Vision’s experts are available for interviews. Their team can provide insights into the latest research, the evolution of LASIK procedures, and the impact of laser vision correction on patients’ lives such as reasons to get rid of progressive lenses. To schedule an interview or learn more about the article, visit Brinton Vision’s website or contact their media relations team.