How Long Does Laser Eye Surgery Take?

Imagine going in for LASIK eye surgery and walking out less than two hours later, already seeing the world in a new way. It sounds like a magic trick, but laser eye surgery really is that efficient. The whole process, from consultation to recovery, is designed to be quick and straightforward, with the procedure itself usually taking just 10–15 minutes for both eyes!!

As a leading clinic for laser vision correction in Auckland, we’re here to make sure your journey to clearer sight is smooth, safe, and comfortable. In this article, we cover everything you need to know about timing, from preparation on surgery day to how each phase of recovery unfolds. So, if you’re wondering 'How long does LASIK surgery take?', read on for the complete breakdown.

Key takeaways

• Consultation and Prep: Around 90 minutes,, including a comprehensive eye health check.
• Surgery: Just 10-15 minutes, using precise laser technology.
• Post-Op Rest: A 15-30 minute recovery period at the clinic with some light sensitivity.
• Recovery: Clearer vision within hours; most achieve 20/20 vision the next day..
• Ongoing Support: Our Auckland clinic provides expert guidance and follow-ups for a smooth experience.

Consultation and Preparation (90 minutes)

Before you get to the surgery day itself, there’s an important consultation step that makes sure laser surgery is the right choice for you. This free assessment takes roughly 1.5 hours, during which we thoroughly check your eye health, talk about your vision goals, and ensure you’re an ideal candidate for laser vision correction. 

During the consultation, we’ll look at factors like corneal thickness, eye shape, and general eye health, all essential to confirm that LASIK surgery is a safe, effective option for you. It’s also the perfect time to ask any burning questions, such as, 'Does laser eye surgery hurt?' Spoiler alert - it doesn't!

On the day of surgery, you’ll spend around 30 minutes on pre-surgery preparation. We’ll guide you through filling out consent forms, explaining every step, and helping you feel confident. After this, your surgeon will apply local anaesthetic eye drops to numb your eyes; no injections, just a few easy drops to ensure you feel no discomfort during the surgery.

The LASIK Procedure (10 - 15 Minutes)

For most people considering LASIK surgery, a common query is "How long does laser eye surgery take?" From start to finish, the procedure is surprisingly fast, allowing you to step out with clearer vision in minutes. The first step is creating a tiny, precise flap on your cornea using a femtosecond laser. This flap allows the surgeon access to the underlying corneal tissue without disturbing other areas of the eye.

After creating the flap, your surgeon uses an excimer laser to reshape your cornea, adjusting its curvature to focus light directly onto the retina. This core step in refractive surgery corrects common issues like short-sightedness, long-sightedness, and astigmatism. Once the reshaping is done, your surgeon gently places the corneal flap back into position, where it seals naturally without stitches.

Immediate Post-Op (15 - 30 Minutes)

After LASIK surgery, you’ll spend around 15–30 minutes resting under observation. This quick break lets your surgeon make sure everything went smoothly and gives you a bit of time to adjust. Expect some mild light sensitivity and hazy vision right after the laser treatment. Both are completely normal.

You’ll want someone to drive you home, as your vision will still be settling. Once home, take it easy and avoid screens and bright lights. This rest period sets you up for a great start to recovery.

The Recovery Process (insert total recovery time)

Your LASIK recovery time kicks off right after surgery, with most people noticing improvements within hours. On the first day, give your eyes plenty of rest, and as discussed, avoid screens, bright lights, and strenuous activities. Medicated eye drops will help keep your eyes moist and comfortable, while resisting the urge to rub your eyes is essential for smooth healing.

By Day 1, you’ll return to the clinic for a follow-up appointment. Your surgeon will assess your progress, answer questions, and may advise on additional care tips. Mild blurred vision and light sensitivity are still normal, but many patients already notice sharper vision by this stage.

Throughout the first week, your eyes continue to adjust, with clearer vision typically setting in within 24 hours.. You’ll still need to be careful about activities that strain the eyes, but most routine tasks are fine to resume.

By one month, most people have stable, crisp vision, with any minor sensitivity issues resolved. Following your surgeon’s instructions helps achieve the best long-term results and sets you up for years of clearer vision!

Trusted Laser Eye Surgery in Auckland

From the initial consultation to full visual clarity, laser eye surgery is an impressively efficient journey. In just a few hours, you can go from preparing for the procedure to heading home with newly improved vision. With follow-ups and aftercare, most people reach stable vision within a month, enjoying the freedom from contact lenses and glasses.

At our Auckland laser eye clinic, we understand that each stage of laser vision correction is significant, and we’re here to guide you from that first consultation through every phase of healing. Whether it’s clarifying the healing process, preparing you for your follow-up, or answering questions about recovery, our team is here to make your LASIK eye surgery experience smooth and reassuring.

If you’re ready to explore life without the constant need to wear glasses or contact lenses, get in touch with us to schedule a consultation. 

Book your free LASIK consultation

‍