LASIK, or Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, is a very common procedure that can correct vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
Worried about pain? You’re not alone. One of the biggest reasons people hesitate about getting LASIK eye surgery is the fear that it will hurt.
This article explains what you can expect to feel during and after LASIK, how doctors manage pain, and what you should realistically expect as you consider vision correction.
Why do people think LASIK hurts?
A lot of people think LASIK is painful, but that’s often based on outdated information or fear. Here’s why:
- Older procedures: Early refractive surgeries were less precise and probably more uncomfortable than today’s LASIK.
- Misinformation: You can find exaggerated stories about negative experiences online or through friends and family.
- Fear of eye surgery: The eye is a sensitive area, so any kind of surgery on it can be scary.
However, modern LASIK is much more advanced and generally not painful.
Anesthesia and Sedation: Ensuring a Pain-Free Procedure
So, how do doctors make sure you don’t feel anything during LASIK? It comes down to anesthesia and, sometimes, sedation.
Anesthetic Eye Drops
The main way LASIK surgeons numb your eye is with topical anesthetic eye drops. These drops work wonders by numbing the surface of your eye and blocking pain signals before, during, and after the procedure.
You’ll get several doses to keep the area nice and numb.
Sedatives
If you’re feeling anxious about the procedure, your doctor might offer you an oral sedative to help you relax. The type of sedative and the dosage will be tailored to your individual needs and level of anxiety.
General Anesthesia (Rarely Used)
It’s extremely rare to use general anesthesia for LASIK. It’s usually only considered for patients who have severe anxiety or certain medical conditions.
General anesthesia has additional risks and requires a longer recovery period, which is why it’s not typically used for LASIK.
What to Expect During LASIK: Sensations, Not Pain
During LASIK, you’ll be awake so you can focus on a target light. This helps the surgeon ensure the laser corrects your vision accurately.
Many people report a feeling of pressure during the procedure, specifically when the surgeon creates the corneal flap. A suction ring stabilizes your eye, which can create that sensation. Research suggests that people only rate this part of the procedure as a “0.8” on a pain scale of 1 to 4.
The surgeon uses a femtosecond laser to create the corneal flap, a process most patients don’t find painful. Then, an excimer laser reshapes the cornea to correct your vision.
The procedure is quick. Each eye only takes about 10 minutes.
What to expect after surgery
After LASIK, most people experience some discomfort. This is normal, and it’s usually temporary. Managing your expectations can help a lot.
Right after surgery, you might feel burning, stinging, or dryness. These feelings are usually mild, and more than 95% of patients say this discomfort doesn’t last long.
Light sensitivity is another common side effect, affecting about 85% of people.
Some people — nearly half of all patients — also report feeling like there’s something in their eye.
Luckily, pain medication can help. You can take over-the-counter pain relievers or, if needed, your doctor can prescribe something stronger.
The most important thing is to follow your doctor’s instructions. Doing so will help minimize discomfort and speed up the healing process.
Post-LASIK Eye Care: Promoting Healing and Comfort
Once the procedure is done, you’ll want to do everything you can to make sure your eyes heal quickly and comfortably.
What to do
- Use your prescribed eye drops exactly as directed. Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drops will help prevent infection and reduce swelling.
- Keep your eyes closed and rest for the first few hours after the surgery. Adequate rest is key to healing.
- Wear dark sunglasses to protect your eyes from light sensitivity and reduce any discomfort from bright light.
- Use preservative-free artificial tears frequently to combat any dryness.
What not to do
- Don’t rub your eyes! Rubbing can dislodge the corneal flap and cause complications.
- Avoid dusty or smoky environments. Irritants in the air can cause discomfort and slow healing.
- Hold off on wearing makeup or lotion near your eyes until your doctor gives you the go-ahead. These products can introduce bacteria and cause infection.
- Avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, and saunas. These environments can increase your risk of infection.
What are the side effects of LASIK?
Like any surgery, LASIK has some potential side effects and complications. However, serious problems are rare.
Here are some things you might experience:
- Dry eye. Many people (up to 50%) already have dry eyes before LASIK. Artificial tears and other treatments can help.
- Halos and glare. These visual problems may be noticeable, especially at night. They usually get better over time.
- Under-correction or over-correction. In rare cases, your vision might not be fully corrected, and you might need a follow-up surgery.
- Serious complications. Infections and corneal ectasia are very rare, occurring in less than 1% of procedures.
If you have severe pain or unusual symptoms, contact your doctor right away.
Putting It All Together
LASIK eye surgery is generally not a painful procedure. Anesthetic eye drops, and sometimes a mild sedative, ensure that you’ll be comfortable during the procedure.
Afterward, you may have some temporary sensations like blurry vision, scratchiness, or light sensitivity. But these are generally mild and easily managed with the eye drops and other instructions your surgeon will provide.
Most people who undergo LASIK are very happy with the results. In fact, more than 98% of LASIK patients report satisfaction with their improved vision.
If you’re considering LASIK, it’s always best to talk with a qualified LASIK surgeon. They can assess your individual needs and address any concerns you may have, so you can decide whether LASIK is the right choice for you.