Laser eye surgery has become popular for people looking to improve their vision without relying on glasses or contact lenses. Specifically, LASIK eye surgery (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) is one of the most commonly performed procedures for vision correction. However, many individuals considering this surgery ask, “Does laser eye surgery hurt?”
Understanding the pain levels associated with laser eye surgery can help you prepare for the procedure and ensure you feel as comfortable as possible. In this blog, we will explore whether LASIK surgery hurts, the pain management strategies used during the LASIK procedure, and what you can expect in terms of discomfort before, during, and after the surgery.
How Does LASIK Eye Surgery Work?
It’s helpful to know how the procedure works to fully understand the potential discomfort associated with LASIK eye surgery. LASIK is a corneal refractive surgery designed to correct vision problems caused by refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. During the surgery, a laser is used to reshape the cornea, the transparent layer at the front of your eye, to allow light to focus correctly on the retina, improving your vision.
The procedure involves the following steps:
- Anaesthesia: Your surgeon will apply numbing eye drops to the eye’s surface to ensure you feel no pain during the procedure.
- Corneal Flap Creation: The surgeon will create a thin corneal flap on the eye’s surface using a microkeratome or femtosecond laser.
- Laser Treatment: After lifting the flap, the surgeon uses a cool excimer laser to reshape the cornea for improved vision.
- Flap Repositioning: The flap is then repositioned and adheres naturally without stitches.
- Recovery: The eye will heal naturally in the following days, and most patients experience improved vision within 24 hours.
Does LASIK Eye Surgery Hurt?
Let’s get to the main question: Does LASIK surgery hurt? The short answer is No. Most patients report feeling little to no pain during the procedure, which is generally well-tolerated thanks to modern technology and effective pain management techniques.
1. Anesthetic Eye Drops
The key to pain-free LASIK surgery is the use of numbing eye drops. Before starting the procedure, your cosmetic surgeon or eye doctor will apply anesthetic eye drops to your eyes. These drops numb the surface of your eye, ensuring you do not feel any pain or discomfort while the surgeon works on your cornea.
- No Pain During Surgery: Because your eyes are numbed, you will not feel any sharp pain, even when the excimer laser reshapes your corneal tissue.
- Mild Sensation: Some patients report feeling a mild sensation of pressure or a slight tingling during the procedure. However, this is not considered painful and is often described as mild discomfort rather than pain.
2. Mild Discomfort After the Procedure
While LASIK surgery is not painful, you may experience mild pain or discomfort after the procedure as the numbing effects of the eye drops wear off. This is completely normal and typically temporary. Healing begins immediately after the surgery; most patients recover within a few hours.
- Slight Pressure Sensation: Some people may feel slight pressure or discomfort in their eyes immediately after the surgery. The repositioning corneal flap causes this pressure and usually resolves within a few hours.
- Light Sensitivity: Some patients experience light sensitivity or irritation in the first few hours after surgery. To minimize discomfort, you may be instructed to wear protective goggles.
- Eye Drops and Artificial Tears: For the first few days after surgery, your surgeon may recommend using preservative-free artificial tears to relieve dryness or discomfort.
3. Severe Pain and Complications
Though rare, some patients may experience more severe pain or discomfort after LASIK surgery, especially if there are complications. Some possible reasons for severe pain include:
- Corneal Ectasia is when the cornea begins to weaken after surgery, causing vision issues and discomfort.
- Infection: If the corneal flap does not heal properly or if there is an infection at the surgical site, this could result in pain.
- Dry Eye Syndrome: Sometimes, patients may develop dry eyes after LASIK surgery, leading to persistent discomfort.
To minimize these risks, it is important to follow your LASIK surgeon’s post-operative care instructions, including using eye drops, attending follow-up appointments, and protecting your eyes from injury.
4. How Long Does the Discomfort Last?
After LASIK eye surgery, most patients report feeling mild discomfort for a few hours to a few days. For the first 24-48 hours, your eyes may feel gritty, dry, or irritated. You may also experience light sensitivity or a slight burning sensation. However, pain relief is often immediate; these symptoms tend to improve within a day or two.
- Full Recovery: Mild discomfort during the healing process is normal for the first few weeks. The corneal flap will naturally heal and reattach to the eye, and vision will stabilize over time.
- Follow-Up Care: Within a few days after surgery, you will have a follow-up appointment with your cosmetic surgeon to check the healing process and ensure no complications.
5. What About LASIK for People with Sensitive Eyes?
Eye surgery may seem daunting for people with sensitive eyes, excessive tearing, or dry eyes. However, most people, including those with sensitive eyes, generally have well-tolerated LASIK surgery.
- Mild Sedative: If you are feeling anxious or worried about the procedure, some surgeons may offer a mild sedative to help you relax during the surgery. This can reduce any discomfort caused by anxiety or nervousness.
- Local Anesthesia: In addition to the numbing eye drops, you will be given local anesthesia around the eye area to ensure the eye surgery is painless and comfortable.
How Long Does it Take to Heal After LASIK Surgery?
The healing process after LASIK surgery is relatively quick, with most patients experiencing improved vision within 24 hours. Here’s what you can expect during the healing process:
- First Few Hours: You must rest for a few hours after the procedure. You might experience mild discomfort and light sensitivity. Many patients can return to normal activities the following day.
- First Few Days: As your eyes heal, you may experience dryness, mild itching, and blurred vision for a few days. This is normal; most patients find these symptoms diminish after 1-2 days.
- First Few Weeks: For the first few weeks, your vision may fluctuate as the corneal flap continues to heal. The healing process is generally completed within 6-8 weeks.
How to Minimize Discomfort During Recovery
To minimize discomfort during recovery, follow these tips:
- Use preservative-free artificial tears as prescribed to keep your eyes moist.
- Wear protective goggles while sleeping to avoid accidental rubbing of your eyes.
- Avoid contact sports or activities that could result in eye injury for several weeks post-surgery.
- Follow up with your LASIK surgeon to ensure your eyes heal properly.
Conclusion
LASIK eye surgery is usually not painful thanks to anesthetic eye drops and advanced laser technology. While some mild discomfort or pressure may be experienced during the procedure or in the hours following the surgery, most patients report immediate relief after the numbing drops wear off. With proper care and attention during the healing process, you can enjoy the benefits of improved vision without worrying about significant pain.
If you are considering LASIK surgery, consult an experienced LASIK surgeon to discuss your concerns and ensure you are a good candidate. With proper care and a skilled surgeon, laser eye surgery can offer a pain-free, long-term solution to your vision correction needs.
References
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/lasik-eye-surgery/in-depth/lasik-surgery/art-20045751
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/lasik
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/laser-eye-surgery
