How long does laser eye surgery take?

If you’re considering laser eye surgery, one of the most common questions is: How long does it take?

At Blink Vision Clinic in Canberra, we help people reduce their dependence on glasses and contact lenses through laser procedures like LASIK, TransPRK, and PresbyMAX.

Here’s what you can expect.

The procedure is quick

The actual laser treatment time is usually less than 60 seconds per eye. But you’ll be in the treatment room a bit longer for preparation and post-treatment checks.

In total, the full procedure takes about 20 to 30 minutes for both eyes.

What happens on the day?

1. Arrival and preparation

• You’ll arrive at the clinic and be greeted by our team
• We’ll go over your consent form and answer any final questions
• A final scan will be performed
• Numbing eye drops will be applied
• You’ll be taken into the laser suite.

2. During the procedure

You’ll lie down comfortably and be guided through the process. The surgeon will help you focus on a target light while the laser reshapes the cornea.

• For LASIK, the flap is created first (this takes just a few seconds)
• For TransPRK, the laser works on the surface—no flap is needed
• For PresbyMAX, a blended vision profile is applied for near and far focus

Each eye is treated individually, and the process is very controlled.

3. After the procedure

A post operative assessment is done. You’ll rest briefly before heading home. You’ll need someone to drive you, as your vision may be blurry or sensitive at first.

Recovery time varies by procedure

• LASIK – Most people notice clearer vision within 24 hours
• TransPRK – Vision improves over several days, with full clarity in a few weeks
• PresbyMAX – Vision may fluctuate as your brain adapts to blended focus.

We’ll give you clear aftercare instructions and follow-up appointments to monitor healing.

Can I go back to work the next day?

If you’ve had LASIK, many people return to work or daily activities within 1–2 days.

With TransPRK, recovery is slower, so you may want to allow up to 4–5 days off work, depending on how you feel.

We’ll guide you on when it’s safe to:

• Drive
• Work
• Use screens
• Exercise or swim
• Wear makeup

What should I do next?

If you’re wondering if laser eye surgery could be a good option for you, take our free suitability self-test. It’s a quick way to learn if you might be a candidate.

You’ll still need a full clinical consultation before proceeding, but the self-test is a great place to start.