Final visual results are apparent anywhere from a week to a few months since the corneal heals differently for everyone. An instrument called a microkeratome allows the doctor to fold back a thin layer of the cornea and then the excimer laser gently removes the proper amount of tissue. The thin layer is folded back to the original position and bonds within minutes. The eye is not patched after the procedure. There is little or no pain after the procedure since the epithelium is left intact.
Vision is improved within hours.