are you awake during laser eye surgery

Laser eye surgery, including LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis), has revolutionized how people correct their vision. It offers a quick and easy procedure with outstanding results, allowing patients to reduce or eliminate their dependency on glasses and contact lenses. However, one common question for those considering LASIK eye surgery is: Are you awake during laser eye surgery? In this blog, we will answer this question, explore the details of the LASIK procedure, and help you understand what to expect during and after the surgery.

Are You Awake During Laser Eye Surgery?

The short answer is: Yes, you are awake during laser eye surgery. Despite what many may believe, LASIK surgery does not require general anesthesia. This is because the procedure is minimally invasive and involves very little discomfort for the patient. During the surgery, patients are awake and alert but do not feel pain thanks to numbing eye drops and sometimes mild oral sedation.

While eye surgery may sound intimidating, most LASIK patients report feeling relaxed during the procedure. Many say it feels more like a routine doctor’s visit than a major surgical event. With the advancements in laser technologies, LASIK has become a quick and easy procedure that lasts only about 15 minutes for both eyes.

How Does the LASIK Procedure Work?

LASIK surgery is a refractive surgery designed to correct common vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The surgery aims to reshape the cornea—the clear, dome-shaped window at the front of the eye—to allow light to focus on the retina, resulting in clear vision.

awake during lasikStep-by-Step Process

  1. Preparation: Before the surgery, the surgeon will ask you to lie down in a comfortable position. They will apply numbing eye drops to both eyes to ensure you do not feel discomfort during the procedure. These drops numb the cornea and eyelids, so the patient will not feel pain or any sensation of the laser working on their eyes.
  2. Surgical Procedure: Once your eyes are numbed, the surgeon will use a special device to open the eyelids, ensuring that you don’t blink during the procedure. A small flap is created on the cornea’s surface, either using a microkeratome (a precision surgical instrument) or an advanced femtosecond laser. This flap is gently lifted, exposing the underlying corneal tissue.
  3. Laser Treatment: After lifting the flap, the laser reshapes the cornea. The laser removes microscopic amounts of tissue from the cornea to correct its shape, allowing light to focus more effectively on the retina. The laser treatment typically lasts only a few minutes, during which you may feel some light pressure but no pain.
  4. Flap Replacement: Once the laser treatment is complete, the surgeon will reposition the corneal flap. The flap naturally adheres to the underlying tissue without the need for stitches. The surgery is complete, and the procedure typically lasts 15 to 20 minutes for both eyes.
  5. Recovery: After the procedure, patients can often see clearly within a few hours, although vision may be slightly blurry immediately afterwards. Most LASIK patients can resume normal activities within 24 to 48 hours. Follow-up visits with your doctor are essential to monitor your recovery and ensure healing progresses.

Pain and Discomfort During the LASIK Procedure

One of the main reasons many people avoid LASIK surgery is the fear of pain or discomfort. The good news is that numbing eye drops and the mild sedation used in the procedure make it virtually painless. Although you may feel light pressure during the laser treatment, this is not painful. Some patients also report feeling slight discomfort in the hours following the surgery, but this is usually minimal and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.

It’s important to remember that while the procedure is not painful, there can be discomfort during recovery. Some people experience mild irritation, dryness, or a feeling of having something in their eye for a few days after the surgery. These side effects are temporary and typically resolve within a few weeks.

Why Do People Fear LASIK Surgery?

Despite the overwhelming success rate and outstanding vision correction results associated with LASIK surgery, many patients still have some fear and anxiety about the procedure. Some common reasons for this fear include:

  • Fear of the unknown: Many people find the idea of having a laser directed at their eyes intimidating.
  • Concern about being awake: Some patients worry about being conscious during the surgery, but as mentioned, using numbing drops and mild sedation ensures the procedure is as comfortable as possible.
  • Fear of complications: Like any surgical procedure, LASIK surgery has potential risks. However, complications are rare, and most patients experience no serious side effects.

Your surgeon will work with you to address any concerns before the surgery and explain every step to help you feel more at ease. Many patients also benefit from a free LASIK consultation, where the surgeon can answer questions and provide information on the surgery, recovery, and expected results.

The Benefits of LASIK Surgery

While the fear of surgery can sometimes prevent people from taking the step to correct their vision, numerous benefits of LASIK surgery make it worth considering:

1. Quick and Easy Procedure

LASIK is a relatively quick and easy procedure, often completed in less than 30 minutes for both eyes. Unlike traditional eye surgeries that require longer recovery times, LASIK allows for a fast recovery and minimal downtime.

laser surgery2. Long-Term Vision Correction

One of the most significant benefits of LASIK is its long-term effectiveness. Most LASIK patients experience improved vision immediately after the procedure, with many achieving 20/25 vision or better. With proper post-surgery care, the results of LASIK can last for many years.

3. No Need for Contact Lenses or Glasses

For many people with LASIK, eye surgery can eliminate the need for contact lenses or glasses, which can be a life-changing benefit. LASIK offers a permanent solution for active individuals or those tired of the daily hassle of wearing corrective eyewear.

4. Safe with Advanced Technologies

The procedure has become even safer and more effective with the development of advanced LASIK technologies. New lasers and techniques allow surgeons to achieve outstanding vision correction results with greater precision and less risk of complications.

Conclusion

In conclusion, yes, you are awake during laser eye surgery. The LASIK procedure is a minimally invasive and easy procedure designed to improve vision with little to no pain. Most patients feel relaxed and comfortable throughout the surgery thanks to numbing eye drops and sometimes mild oral sedation. If you’re considering LASIK eye surgery but have concerns, rest assured that the procedure is quick, effective, and safe.

LASIK can provide a long-term solution for those looking to correct their vision and improve their quality of life. If you are interested in learning more about the procedure, scheduling a free LASIK consultation with a qualified surgeon is the best next step to determine if you are a good candidate for LASIK and to address any remaining questions or concerns.

By understanding the process and potential benefits, you can make an informed decision about LASIK and take a confident step toward a clearer vision.

References

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/laser-eye-surgery

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/lasik-eye-surgery/about/pac-20384774

https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/lasik