Laser Eye Surgery: What to Expect

Thinking about laser eye surgery to get rid of your glasses or contact lenses? You're not alone. Millions of people choose this solution every year. But what actually happens during the procedure? What should you expect before, during, and after?

In this blog, we’ll walk you through each step of the surgeryso you can feel informed and confident.

Step 1: The Initial Consultation

First, you’ll meet with an eye surgeon who specialises in refractive surgery. During this consultation, they will:

• Assess your vision
• Measure the thickness of your cornea
• Check your overall eye health

This helps determine if you’re a good candidate for procedures like LASIK or TransPRK.

Step 2: Preparing for Surgery

A few days before surgery, you’ll be asked to:

• Stop wearing contact lenses
• Avoid makeup or creams around the eyes
• Arrange for someone to accompany you on the day

On the day itself, numbing eye drops are used so you don’t feel anything.

Step 3: During the Procedure

The procedure is done as an outpatient and typically takes 10 to 15 minutes per eye..

1. You’ll lie comfortably under the laser.
2. Numbing drops are applied.
3. The laser is programmed with your exact correction.
4. It reshapes your cornea so that light focuses correctly on the retina.

LASIK creates a small flap on the cornea. TransPRK works on the surface of the eye—no flap is needed.

Step 4: Right After Surgery

Immediately after surgery, you may feel:

• Mild discomfort or burning
• Blurry vision for a few hours

You’ll be given antibiotic and lubricating drops and can go home the same day.

Step 5: The Recovery Period

Recovery depends on the technique used:

• LASIK : fast recovery—most people feel better within 1–2 days
• TransPRK healing may take a few days to a week

During this time, it’s best to:

• Avoid rubbing your eyes
• Wear sunglasses outdoors
• Skip makeup and swimming for a short while

Step 6: Follow-Up Appointments

You’ll have follow-up visits in the weeks after surgery to make sure everything is healing properly. These check-ins help track your progress and adjust care if needed.

Does It Hurt?

No. Thanks to the numbing drops, the procedure itself is painless. You might feel some discomfort after, but it usually fades quickly.

The Results

Most people notice a big improvement in vision within days. Many achieve clear vision without needing glasses or contacts again.

Conclusion

Laser eye surgery is a safe, fast, and effective way to improve your vision. Knowing what to expect helps make the experience smooth and stress-free.

Curious if you’re a candidate? Take our quick suitability self-test today.