Lasik Eye Correction

Is Lasik eye surgery an outpatient procedure, or do you need to remain in the hospital?

My husband is being told that he has to remain in the hospital for a full 4 days after having LASIK done. I have never heard about it being an inpatient procedure before. Is he getting scammed by the clinic?

Public Comments

1. the person i know who did it went home that very same day. Did you ask them if there was a problem? it seems very uncharacteristic. I'd ask.
2. Never heard of this. Get a second opinion.
3. My husband had it done & he was in there for like an hour. Then went home. I'd get a second opinion.
4. Outpatient. I've never heard of anyone having to be in the hospital at all. IT's done at the eye doctor's office.
5. no, most of the time lasik is outpatient only. most hospital's would not want to give up perfectly good beds for something that simple of a procedure. I know many people who have gotten lasik and never have remained hospitalized.
6. NEVER heard of such a thing. Is it possible that your husband has other health issues that the doctors would want to keep him for? If not, please get a second opinion.
7. Its outpatient. The procedure took 10 minutes. I was at the office for about 1.5 hours total. Pre-op, op, and post-op. I could see 20-20 15 minutes after surgery.
8. my grandfather just had that done on each eye, and he did not have to stay in the hospital at all. i'd check other places before you commit to this one.
9. All LASIK procedures I have heard of from my friends are outpatient only. Did your husband have any complications? Consult with the Doctor and check why stay 4 days inpatient.
10. I have looked into Lasik and never been told I had to stay does he have other medical issues such as diabetes or heart problems? I know about 10 people and it was outpatient
11. in the USA the usual way is in an ambulatory unit, same-day procedure, go-home same day. It can be done in a hospital as inpatient. - but this is not customary. visit other specialists -many of them have THEIR OWN fully accredited operating suites for outpatients - these are privately owned & run. No hospital needed in most cases unless special circumstances warrant it.
12. 4 days???? I had LASIK and it's the best thing I ever did. I went to the LASIK place and in a few hours I was out. I needed a driver though because I had to keep my eyes closed until the next day. Someone's making money!!!
13. I've looked into it myself. It is definitely an outpatient proceedure. Your Clinic is probably trying to milk your insurance company for the extra days! Please get a second opinion though because there may be health issues involved that only apply to you husband. Better be safe thatn sorry.
14. Hello there: Lasik eye surgery is a walk in and home in 4 hours procedure. It is a almost painless procedure and mild discomfort is the only negative part of the process. You will have to stay out of direct sunlight for a while but other than that, you will be able to count the teeth in a bunnies mouth at 100 feet!! All the best! iamjustrandy@yahoo.com
15. This doesn't sound right. Get another opinion. My son had Lasik done as an outpatient, both eyes. He went home shortly after and recovered at home for a day and a half, then he was fine. Something isn't right about that. Seek further advice from another clinic or doctor.
16. Ok, like all the rest have said, out patient unless there's other reasons such as is your husband diabetic, blood disease, or anything else? Ask the dr. why so long in the hospital. Are you sure he didn't say 4 hours and not 4 days. Perhaps a hearing exam is in order. Just kidding. Clarify the reason for a overnighter, or 4 day stay. I'd find another dr. if he says it's standard. It's not.
17. I don't know if your husband is being scammed. Does he have any health issues going on? Is he being told that he must be admitted to the hospital your insurance stipulates or to a recovery clinic owned by the eye clinic? LASIK is an outpatient procedure and isn't done in a hospital setting to begin with. So when you say "remain", you imply that he'll be in a hospital to begin with. Why don't you ask the surgeon why he needs this? See what he/she has to say about it. If after that you don't agree or still feel this doesn't sound right, speak to his primary care doctor or your insurance company.
18. LASIK surgery is an outpatient procedure. At the center I work for, all patients check in 45 mins prior to the surgery (to recheck measurements, do drops prior to surgery), then they go in for surgery which takes 5-7 mins for both eyes. As soon as they are done, they are ready to go home and come back 24-48 hours after for a post-operative check up. I'm not sure why he was told he would need to remain in the hospital for 4 days - that is quite unusual. He should get a second opinion before proceeding with that center.