What to expect during a LASIK operation?

Hi, it’s Dr. Chotiner from Memorial Eye. Many people wonder what they should expect during a LASIK operation. Let me explain, particularly as there’s a whole load of misinformation about how long laser eye surgery lasts.

If you decide to have LASIK surgery, it is important for you to know what it will entail. Before your procedure you will have an initial assessment by the doctor to ensure you are a good candidate for LASIK. If you wear contact lenses, we advise that that you stop wearing them two weeks before the assessment as they affect the shape of your cornea.

On the day of your procedure it is important that you don’t wear any creams or eye make up.

In the old days, laser eye surgeons performed LASIK using a blade and a specialized laser. Modern laser eye surgery, which is what we do at Memorial Eye Institute, involves two lasers.

Instead of using a blade, we use one laser to create an ultra-thin flap in the window of your eye – which we call the cornea. That may sound a little scary for some, but I assure you that you won’t see any instruments near your eyes and won’t feel a thing.

We raise that flap and then use a second laser to reshape the cornea to restore normal optics and normal focusing of the eye. Following that, we reposition the flap. The natural forces and processes of the eye seal the flap within a few hours.

The side effects of surgery are usually minor and can be managed with over-the -counter medications . Side note: don’t rub your eyes after the procedure because this could move the corneal flap.

The day after the LASIK procedure, most patients’ vision becomes as good as it was with glasses and contact lenses before the surgery. Their vision is typically very sharp and patients are able to resume normal life.

LASIK eye surgery is pain-free, low risk and has a fast recovery time. It also has an extremely high success rate in correcting vision for most people who do it!

To find out if you are a candidate for LASIK or another type of refractive surgery, book a free virtual assessment on our website today.

Share This Story

Home » Laser eye surgery » What to expect during a LASIK operation?

Get a free appointment and find out if LASIK could help you

The first step to free yourself from the hassle of glasses and contact lenses is to book a free suitability appointment. Book below to discover your options and get an answer about whether LASIK is right for you.

Find us

What patients say about us

I was well taken care of. They took good care of my things. Dr. Erik Chotiner did an excellent job. I am so happy to see quite clearly with my eye that has macular degeneration.
S.D.H.
Very happy with all the staff, from check in, check out and nursing in pre op. Amazing. Very clean facility. Dr. Chotiner is so efficient and fast. Would recommend him to everyone.
Vey Love
Excellent care and personal attention are provided at Memorial Eye. Hats off to Dr. E. Chotiner, nurses and staff for making my experience there so great!
Q. Bender
I had cataract surgery and correction of an astigmatism. In one word......excellent!
Ray Jaffev
Wonderful practice with kind and supportive employees. The doctors are top notch and excellent!
A. Hendrix
I am a first time patient at your practice. Everyone was so nice and knowledgeable. Overall it was a great experience. I did not realize how bad my vision was. I am amazed! The get well flowers were a nice touch!
J.B.
Surgery was quick and easy. Staff was very pleasant. Would recommend Dr. Chotiner very highly.
Patricia Scheidler
Service is very complete and professional. Dr. Erik Chotiner was very friendly and able to answer all of my questions. I am very pleased with service and will recommend.
A. Lawrence
I would recommend Memorial Eye Institute and Dr. Erik Chotiner for their expertise. They are all very professional and caring for their patients. It was an excellent experience.
Joyce Keefer

Take this quick quiz to see if you can be free of glasses and contacts

Not everyone is suitable for LASIK. Your options change depending on your eyes, your age and your lifestyle. Find out which type of treatment (if any), is right for you by taking this 2 min quiz now:

Recognized leaders in Harrisburg LASIK eye surgery

CHOOSE THE MOST EXPERIENCED LASIK SPECIALISTS IN CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA

Dr. Bennett Chotiner
M.D., F.A.C.S.

MEDICAL DIRECTOR, GENERAL OPHTHALMOLOGY, CATARACT & REFRACTIVE SURGERY, LASIK SURGERY

Dr. Bennett Chotiner is the founder and medical director of Memorial Eye Institute. A noted innovator, in 1977 he established his clinical practice, the Pennsylvania Eye Associates. In 1984, he established the Pennsylvania Eye Surgery Center, Pennsylvania’s first …

Learn more >

Dr. Erik A Chotiner
M.D., F.A.C.S.

GENERAL OPHTHALMOLOGY, CATARACT & REFRACTIVE SURGERY, LASIK SURGERY

Erik Chotiner, M.D. diagnoses and treats a wide range of medical eye conditions. He is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Franklin and Marshall College. Dr. Chotiner attended Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia where he received multiple awards including the Physiology Prize for …

Learn more >