How long does LASIK surgery take?

Understanding exactly what happens during LASIK surgery helps eliminate anxiety and prepares you for the experience. Here is a complete, step-by-step guide to the LASIK procedure at Centre For Lasik.

Before the Procedure Begins

You are fully awake throughout LASIK — no general anaesthesia is needed. Numbing eye drops are instilled 5–10 minutes before surgery, making the procedure completely painless. A mild oral sedative may be offered to help you relax.

Step-by-Step: What Happens During LASIK

1. Eye speculum placed — A small clip gently holds your eyelids open so you cannot blink accidentally.
2. Corneal flap creation — A femtosecond laser (blade-free) creates a precise thin flap in the cornea in about 20–30 seconds per eye.
3. AI laser mapping — The excimer laser’s tracking system locks on to your eye, mapping its position 400 times per second.
4. Laser reshaping — The AI excimer laser reshapes your cornea in just 6–12 seconds per eye.
5. Flap repositioned — The corneal flap is gently laid back in place and adheres naturally — no stitches required.

What Does LASIK Feel Like?

You may feel slight pressure during flap creation but no pain. The entire procedure for both eyes takes approximately 15–20 minutes. Vision improves noticeably within 4–6 hours.