LASIK eye surgery is a very popular procedure in part because it is patient-friendly in a number of key areas. The procedure itself only takes about 15 minutes for both eyes, and the healing process begins quickly with little or no discomfort. It also doesn’t take long at all to start seeing positive results, and getting back to most of your favorite activities. The results of LASIK surgery are very consistent, as well, but that still leaves a few key questions.
One of the big questions is, does LASIK hurt? The short answer is no, for most people, it doesn’t. We’ll provide the long answer ahead, including a look at why LASIK eye surgery is able to deliver results with very minimal pain or discomfort.
Does LASIK Eye Surgery Hurt? No, and Here’s Why
In order to understand why LASIK causes little or no pain, it helps to understand a bit about how laser eye surgery works. The goal of LASIK is to gently reshape the cornea, treating only very, very small portions of tissue, by using a precise laser. Throughout the process, your LASIK surgeon will also take every step to ensure that you are comfortable.
Local Anesthetic
Before your LASIK eye surgery begins, your LASIK specialist will use eye drops to numb the surface of your eyes. These eye drops feel just like the type that you’d normally use to lubricate dry eyes, but contain a numbing agent so that you shouldn’t feel anything, except some pressure, during your LASIK procedure.
No Sedation
With LASIK, you don’t have to worry about heavy sedatives, receiving injections of anesthetics, or “going to sleep” during the procedure. Those eye drops really do all of the numbing that you need, and the lack of heavy general anesthesia means you don’t have to worry about that foggy, groggy feeling after your LASIK surgery is complete.
During LASIK Surgery
During surgery, the first step is creating the flap. You may feel a pressure sensation, but it is more of an odd or uncomfortable feeling than a painful one. Your eyelids will be held open with a special tool during the procedure, and while this may feel a little strange it is unlikely to cause any pain.
Excimer Laser
The cool beam of the excimer laser used to perform LASIK eye surgery is incredibly precise, and guided by a computer which maps the structure of your eyes down to a microscopic level. During the portion of LASIK when your cornea is being reshaped, you actually shouldn’t feel any discomfort at all.
After your LASIK eye surgery is complete, you may notice some minor pain, itching, or discomfort as your eyes heal and your vision stabilizes. These symptoms are common, and typically clear up quickly as your eyes go through the healing process. So while no surgery can truly claim to be completely pain-free, LASIK surgery is about as close as it gets – both during and after your procedure.
Understanding the LASIK Procedure
To better understand why LASIK is not painful, it is important to grasp how the surgery works. LASIK involves reshaping the cornea using a precise laser, targeting very small portions of tissue. Throughout the process, the LASIK surgeon takes every step to ensure patient comfort.
- Local Anesthetic and No Sedation
- One key aspect of LASIK’s minimal pain is the use of local anesthetic eye drops, which numb the surface of the eyes. These drops eliminate pain during the procedure, and the absence of sedation means patients won’t experience grogginess or a foggy feeling afterward.
- Sensations During LASIK Surgery
- During the surgery, patients may feel some pressure and discomfort, but not pain. The eyelids are held open with a special tool, which might feel strange but is not painful. The excimer laser used in LASIK is cool, precise, and guided by a computer, ensuring no discomfort during the cornea reshaping process.
- Post-Surgery Symptoms and Recovery
- After LASIK surgery, it is common to experience minor pain, itching, or discomfort as the eyes heal and vision stabilizes. These symptoms typically clear up quickly, making LASIK one of the least painful surgical procedures available.
How does LASIK feel?
During the LASIK procedure, patients may feel some pressure and discomfort, but not pain. Before the surgery, the LASIK surgeon will use eye drops to numb the surface of the eyes. These eye drops contain a numbing agent that eliminates pain during the procedure, and the absence of sedation means patients won’t experience grogginess or a foggy feeling afterward.
During the surgery, the first step is creating the flap. You may feel a pressure sensation, but it is more of an odd or uncomfortable feeling than a painful one. Your eyelids will be held open with a special tool during the procedure, and while this may feel a little strange it is unlikely to cause any pain. The excimer laser used in LASIK is cool, precise, and guided by a computer, ensuring no discomfort during the cornea reshaping process.
Does LASIK hurt after the procedure?
After LASIK surgery, it is common to experience minor pain, itching, or discomfort as the eyes heal and vision stabilizes. However, these symptoms are typically short-lived and clear up quickly as the eyes go through the healing process. Some patients may experience dry eyes or blurred vision for a few days or weeks after the procedure, but these symptoms can usually be managed with eye drops and will gradually improve over time.
It is important to note that while LASIK is generally a safe and effective procedure, like any surgery, it does carry some risks. Complications such as infection, inflammation, or problems with the flap can occur, but these are rare and can usually be treated with medication or additional surgery if needed.
In conclusion, LASIK eye surgery is a highly desirable option for vision correction due to its minimally invasive nature, use of local anesthetic, and quick recovery time. While no surgery can be entirely pain-free, LASIK comes close. Patients may feel some pressure and discomfort during the procedure, but not pain. After the surgery, it is common to experience minor pain, itching, or discomfort as the eyes heal and vision stabilizes. However, these symptoms are usually short-lived and can be managed with eye drops. If you are considering LASIK, it is important to discuss any concerns or questions you may have with your LASIK surgeon.
When it comes to the healing process after LASIK, there are some important steps you can take to ensure a smooth and comfortable recovery. Your LASIK surgeon will provide detailed instructions on post-operative care, but here are some general tips to keep in mind:
Tips for a Comfortable LASIK Recovery
Following specific aftercare instructions provided by the LASIK surgeon can make the recovery process smooth and minimize any post-procedure discomfort. Here are key tips to enhance healing and comfort:
- Rest Your Eyes: Taking a day or two off from screen use and intense visual activities can help reduce eye strain as the eyes recover. Many patients find that closing their eyes periodically throughout the day reduces discomfort and speeds up the initial healing phase.
- Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes: Rubbing the eyes can disrupt the healing corneal flap and increase the risk of infection. Surgeons typically advise avoiding any direct contact with the eyes for several weeks post-surgery.
- Follow Prescribed Eye Drop Schedule: Post-operative eye drops are essential for maintaining moisture, reducing inflammation, and preventing infection. Following the surgeon’s instructions on eye drop use ensures that the healing process remains comfortable and free of complications.
- Wear Sunglasses Outdoors: Protecting the eyes from UV rays is crucial for recovery, especially when outdoors. Sunglasses help prevent light sensitivity and reduce exposure to environmental irritants such as wind and dust.
- Attend Follow-up Appointments: Regular follow-up visits allow the LASIK surgeon to monitor healing progress and address any concerns. These checkups are critical for ensuring a smooth recovery and optimal visual outcomes.
In addition to these tips, it is also important to follow a healthy lifestyle to promote healing after LASIK. This includes eating a balanced diet, getting enough rest, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
Addressing Common Concerns About LASIK and Pain
Although LASIK is not entirely pain-free, the majority of patients report feeling only mild discomfort or pressure rather than sharp pain. Some individuals may experience a temporary scratchy sensation similar to having an eyelash in the eye, but this is generally manageable and fades quickly.
Any post-LASIK discomfort usually subsides within 24 to 48 hours. Complete recovery of vision clarity can take a few weeks, but the mild symptoms associated with the healing process diminish much sooner. Patients typically feel comfortable resuming most daily activities within a few days of surgery.
LASIK is widely recognized as a safe and effective procedure with a high success rate. However, as with any surgery, there are potential risks and complications, including infection or issues with the corneal flap. These complications are rare and can usually be managed effectively if detected early through follow-up appointments.
Patients who experience any unexpected discomfort during the procedure can communicate with the surgeon at any time. Most issues can be addressed promptly, and additional numbing drops or adjustments can be made to ensure the patient remains comfortable throughout.
LASIK eye surgery offers a nearly pain-free experience for most individuals, thanks to anesthetic eye drops, advanced laser technology, and minimally invasive techniques. Patients can expect only mild sensations of pressure or light sensitivity during the procedure, while post-surgery symptoms like itching, dryness, and light sensitivity are generally temporary. With proper aftercare and follow-up, LASIK provides a safe and effective pathway to improved vision with minimal discomfort.
For those considering LASIK, understanding the minimal nature of discomfort can provide peace of mind. Consulting with a qualified LASIK surgeon and discussing any specific concerns can ensure a smooth and informed journey toward clearer vision.
About the Author:
Having performed more than 138,000 refractive surgery procedures, Dr. Bruce January is considered one of the most prolific and experienced refractive surgeons in the world. Dr. January is certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and a member of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. He is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, which honored him with the Lifelong Education Award.
Dr. January earned a medical degree from the University of Tennessee and completed an ophthalmology residency at the internationally recognized, top-ranked Emory University Eye Center in Atlanta. Dedicated to inspiring children to achieve their dreams, Dr. January speaks at schools serving the underprivileged. In his free-time, Dr. January enjoys spending time with his family, scuba diving, gardening, and “anything to do with health, diet, and physical fitness”.
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