What if I Move or Blink during my LASIK Surgery?

Common among LASIK patients – and among people considering LASIK – is a concern that their eyes will be horrifically mangled if they accidentally blink or move during surgery. Although this concern is understandable, blinking and moving is not problematic in modern LASIK procedures.

Your eye and body position are secured by:

• A speculum holding your eyelids open.
• A contoured, cushioned headrest.
• A blinking target light for you to focus your gaze on.
• Numbing eye drops to prevent your eye's response to stimuli.

Even if you look away from the blinking light, causing your eyes to move, today's LASIK technology is designed to account for possibilities like eye movement. Modern lasers have high-speed tracking, which adjusts the laser pulses to the position of your eyes. Some lasers shut off if a certain degree of eye movement occurs.

Many surgeons report that it is not uncommon for a patient to move during LASIK surgery. Your eye surgeon has complete control over the laser and can turn it off at any time. The procedure is easily resumed once you are back in position.

To find out more about LASIK eye surgery, please contact an experienced and knowledgeable LASIK surgeon in your area.