How Long Does Lasik Surgery Take - Brinton Vision Provides The Answer

St. Louis, Missouri -

St. Louis, MO based Brinton Vision recently published an article, How Long Does Lasik Surgery Take, that sheds light on LASIK surgery and how long patients can expect the procedure to last. The article, which can be read in full on the clinic’s website, explores what patients experience prior, during and after their LASIK appointment.

LASIK, or laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, is the most commonly performed laser eye surgery that is used in the treatment of myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism (blurry vision caused by an error in the shape of the cornea). It is a type of refractive surgery that reshapes the cornea in order to ensure that light entering the eye is properly focused on the retina. This improved focus is what patients observe as clearer (or sharper) vision following their treatment.

The article explains, “We often get the question, 'How long will my LASIK surgery take?' While this seems like an easy question to answer, it’s never easy to succinctly provide a patient with the whole treatment picture.” This is due to the fact the lasers used in LASIK eye surgery are fixed on an eye for a relatively small period of time. In fact, they are only switched on for a few seconds, and the surgery as a whole generally does not take more than 15 minutes. The clinic notes, however, that patients should not assume this is the extent of their office visit.

Those who wish to undergo a LASIK procedure should be aware that the first step is an in-depth eye examination. The article notes here that patients who wear contacts will need to avoid doing so for some time prior to their examination as contacts are known to alter the shape of the corneas (which could alter testing results). This does not, however, mean that they will be forced to deal with poor vision until their appointment; patients who stay out of contacts are welcome to wear glasses during this period.

“The amount of time and effort spent on diagnostics may vary from one laser eye surgery center to another depending on how they’re equipped,” states the clinic. “The Brinton Vision Ocular Analysis (BVOA) takes about 90 minutes and measures your eye in 3D from the front of the cornea to the back of the retina.” Following these tests (regarding which many more details can be found within the full article), the Brinton Vision doctor attending to the patient in question will discuss whether they are a candidate for LASIK or whether they would be better suited for a different procedure. Given Brinton Vision’s emphasis on customer service, the clinic offers patients time to explore their options and learn more about their condition, whether or not they qualify for LASIK.

Once patients find out that they are a surgical candidate, most just want to know what the price is and how quickly they can reserve their surgery time. Should a patient be considered a candidate for LASIK and be scheduled for a LASIK procedure, the article states, “Most surgical visits at Brinton Vision require that you block out 3 hours for your procedure. This allows adequate time for check-in, surgical preparation, surgery and time in the office immediately after surgery to ensure you’re comfortable and well on your way to healing.” Patients are requested to check in 15 minutes prior to their appointment. After filling out consent forms, patients often undergo additional testing and meet with their doctor again. Numbing drops are administered to reduce or eliminate discomfort, and then the surgery commences, usually taking about 15 minutes.

To ensure proper healing, patients are asked to return the next day after surgery and then at regular intervals for the first year to ensure that their eyes remain on track.

Brinton Vision is a state-of-the-art LASIK and laser eye surgery center located in St. Louis, Missouri. The practice is dedicated to one goal–changing lives through the priceless gift of sight. Brinton Vision is the only full-time vision correction and eye surgery center in the state of Missouri specializing in LASIK plus all six of its modern variations: SBK, PRK, SMILE, Visian ICL (implantable contact lens), KAMRA® Inlay, and refractive lens exchange (RLE). St. Louis patients come to Brinton Vision looking for the most advanced, proven technology found anywhere in the world, even for those who have been told they are not a candidate for LASIK. For more information, call (314) 375-2020 or visit BrintonVision.com.