It is not possible for patients to blink during a procedure. An instrument is used to gently hold the eyelids open. Because eye drops have already numbed the eye, the reflex that gives patients the desire to blink is lost, so keeping the eye open is painless. Firstly, this machine creates suction against the eye, which holds the machine in the correct position and firms the eye for a precise cut. Then the surgeon engages the machine, allowing it to cut a smooth flap in the cornea.
Most patients are able to drive and resume normal activities the next day.
Patients should not wear eye makeup, swim, get water in their eyes, or expose themselves to dusty or dirty environments for at least three days after surgery. In addition, patients should not rub their eyes for at least ten days after surgery. Usually, after one month to three months results will usually be permanent for most patients. However, some patients with initially good results may experience a change in their refraction, which is called regression, up to six months after surgery and possibly longer. Patients, who are treated for farsightedness, may have a longer visual stabilization period.