Laser Eye Operation FAQs

1. What are the different types of Laser Eye surgery?

A. There are basically two types of Laser Eye surgery viz. LASIK (Laser Assisted IntraStromal Keratomileusis) and PRK (PhotoRefractive Keratectomy). In LASIK, the skin covering the eye is cut and lifted, the top layer of the cornea is cut and lifted, and the underlying layer of the cornea is reshaped with a laser whereas in PRK the surface of the cornea is reshaped not it's underlying layer.

2. Which surgery procedure should I opt for a Laser eye surgery?

A. A. Most surgeons would recommend LASIK eye surgery procedure as it is less painful and recovery from blurriness is faster as compared to PRK. In PRK laser eye surgery, care needs to be taken up to 4 months from surgery and side effects last longer.

3. Does a Laser Eye surgery cause a lot of pain?

A. Prior to beginning with the laser eye operation anesthetic eye drops are put in your eyes. This normally takes care of pain but you may experience an itchy feeling in your eye which will last for a few hours. You may find your eyes sensitive to light for a couple of days.

4. How much time does a LASIK surgery require?

A. The laser eye surgery procedure might take a maximum of 20 minutes. Once the eye surgery is done you may take a few more minutes to come to normal and then you can return back home.

5. What are the dos and don'ts once the surgery is done?

A. Since your eye is been operated you are not allowed to drive for atleast 24 hours. Surgeons also warn against rubbing your eyes, which is common since you may feel itchy in the eye after the laser eye operation. Other than this you are free to do what you please with the affirmation from your surgeon.

6. How many days does it normally take to recover from the surgery?

A. LASIK eye surgery takes a couple of days to recover from the blurriness in vision. You should be able to return to work within 2 days. But you may no strain your eyes much for a week or so.

7. Am I supposed to remain absolutely still during a Laser Eye Surgery?

A. It is advisable to remain still since it takes hardly a few seconds to insert the laser in your eye. But in case you happen to move while the UV beam is focused on your eye the surgeon is skilled to control the beam pedal and he immediately removes the UV beam when the patient shows any sign of movement.

8. Why is eye surgery not recommended for a pregnant woman?

A. Laser eye surgery could cause the refraction of the eye to change when operated during pregnancy. The eye surgery can be postponed for a year in such cases.

9. Is laser eye surgery a permanent solution?

A. Observations show that the effects of surgery are permanent but as people age their eyes undergo changes and a re-surgery might be required at a later stage.