What Happens if You Move Your Eye During LASIK Surgery? Here’s What You Need to Know

One of the most common questions about LASIK surgery is, “What happens if you move your eye during LASIK?” It’s an entirely understandable concern — after all, it’s your vision we’re talking about, and the thought of needing to stay perfectly still during a precise procedure can feel intimidating.

The great news is you do not need to act like a statue! With modern technological advancements and the expert care provided by Dr. Nunnery at Providence Eye & Laser Specialists, you don’t have to worry. State-of-the-art equipment, like our Wavelight® EX500 laser, ensures your safety and the success of your procedure, even if you blink or move your eye.

Let’s dive into exactly how blinking and eye movement are managed during LASIK, and why you can feel confident moving forward with this life-changing procedure.

What Happens if You Blink During LASIK Surgery?

Many people are worried that blinking during LASIK surgery will interfere with the laser or affect their results. The truth is that blinking is not an issue during the procedure for multiple reasons:

  1. Numbing drops before the start of your procedure prevent the urge to blink and the sensation of any discomfort.
  2. Dr. Nunnery will gently put a small instrument on your eye to keep it open for you. Our patients tell us they feel a little pressure but no pain.

So, if blinking has been one of your main concerns about LASIK, you can relax — it’s one less thing you need to worry about.

What Happens if You Move Your Eye During LASIK Surgery?

Similarly, another frequently asked question is, “What happens if you move your eye during LASIK?” It’s natural for your eye to make small movements even when trying to stay still. That’s where advanced technology like the Wavelight® EX500 laser’s eye tracker functionality comes in.

The Wavelight® EX500 is designed to handle tiny, natural eye movements that occur during surgery. Here’s how it works:

  • Real-Time Eye Tracking: The Wavelight® EX500 tracks your eye’s position 1,050 times per second. That’s fast! It detects even the slightest movements and adjusts in real time to stay perfectly aligned with your eye, ensuring that every pulse of the laser is applied precisely where it needs to be.
  • Automatic Pausing for Safety: If your eye moves too far out of range, the system immediately pauses the laser until your eye returns to the correct position. This pause and repositioning guarantees that the treatment is only applied to the intended area of your cornea, protecting your vision and maintaining the precision of the procedure.
  • Custom-Tailored Precision: Before your surgery, Dr. Nunnery creates a personalized treatment plan based on your eye’s unique shape and characteristics. The Wavelight® EX500 follows this customized plan with exceptional accuracy, ensuring the best possible results for your vision correction.

Even if your eye moves during the procedure, the Wavelight® EX500 ensures there’s no risk of error. This advanced technology gives you the freedom to relax during surgery, knowing that your safety is the top priority.

How To Prepare for LASIK Surgery

Knowing that blinking or moving your eye won’t affect your LASIK procedure can help reduce anxiety, but preparation can also help you feel more confident. Here’s what to expect before, during and after LASIK at Providence Eye & Laser Specialists:

  • Before Procedure: During your consultation, Dr. Nunnery will evaluate your eyes and discuss your goals for vision correction. He’ll also answer your questions, including concerns about blinking or eye movement.
  • During Procedure: The procedure is quick and painless, only taking about 10 minutes for both eyes. Numbing eye drops help ensure your comfort, and the advanced Wavelight® EX500 laser will handle all eye tracking and adjustments for precision.
  • After Procedure: Most patients notice significant improvements in their vision within 24 to 48 hours. Follow-up care ensures your eyes heal properly and your results are long-lasting.

Why Choose Dr. Nunnery and Providence Eye & Laser Specialists?

At Providence Eye & Laser Specialists, we understand that concerns about blinking or moving your eye can feel overwhelming. That’s why we take a patient-first approach, ensuring you feel supported, informed and confident every step of the way.

Here’s what makes Providence Eye & Laser Specialists stand out:

  • Advanced Technology: Our use of the Wavelight® EX500 laser system provides unmatched precision and safety, even if you blink or your eye moves during surgery.
  • Expert Surgeon: Dr. Nunnery is a trusted expert in vision correction surgery. He is a board-certified ophthalmologist and a fellowship-trained cornea specialist who delivers exceptional outcomes for his patients.
  • Personalized Care: All patients’ eyes are unique and Dr. Nunnery tailors each LASIK procedure to your specific needs for the best possible results.

Say Goodbye to Glasses and Contacts With Confidence

If fear of blinking or eye movement has been holding you back, let Dr. Nunnery and the team at Providence Eye & Laser Specialists help you take the first step toward clearer vision. Our advanced technology and compassionate care ensure your LASIK experience will be safe and comfortable.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

Ready to learn more? Schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Nunnery. He will be happy to answer all your questions!