Laser eye surgery, especially LASIK eye surgery, has revolutionized vision correction, allowing millions of people to experience clearer vision without relying on glasses or contact lenses. One of the most common questions potential candidates have before undergoing LASIK surgery is, “Does laser eye surgery hurt?” It’s completely normal to feel a bit anxious or worried about pain when considering a surgical procedure, especially one involving such a delicate area as the eyes.
This blog will explore whether laser eye surgery is painful, what to expect during the LASIK procedure, and how the healing process unfolds. We’ll also address common concerns about pain and discomfort and the effectiveness of anesthetic eye drops to minimize discomfort during surgery.
Understanding LASIK Eye Surgery
LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) is one of the most popular forms of laser eye surgery. It is designed to correct common vision problems such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism by reshaping the cornea. This reshaping improves how light enters the eye, allowing for clearer vision.
The LASIK procedure involves a laser to remove microscopic amounts of corneal tissue to correct the eye’s refractive errors. During the procedure, the corneal flap is created, which is gently lifted, and the underlying corneal tissue is reshaped using an excimer laser. After reshaping, the corneal flap is replaced, and it heals naturally without stitches.
Does Laser Eye Surgery Hurt?
The short answer is: no, laser eye surgery does not hurt during the procedure. However, there are some sensations that patients may experience that may make them feel a bit uncomfortable. To understand the discomfort, let’s break it down:
1. Anesthetic Eye Drops: The Key to Comfort
Before the LASIK procedure begins, the surgeon will administer anesthetic eye drops to numb the eyes. These numbing drops ensure that you won’t feel pain during the surgery. The drops typically take effect within minutes, rendering the eye completely numb and allowing the surgeon to perform the procedure without causing pain. Mild discomfort might occur when the drops are administered, but it is brief and not painful.
While the anesthetic eye drops to prevent pain during the procedure, it’s important to note that you may still experience slight pressure or a mild sensation of movement as the surgeon reshapes the cornea using the laser. However, these sensations are not painful; most patients feel mild discomfort.
2. Mild Discomfort and Pressure Sensations
Although the eyes are completely numbed with anesthetic eye drops, patients often report a sensation of pressure during the LASIK procedure. This pressure sensation occurs when the surgeon creates the corneal flap and uses the excimer laser to reshape the cornea. Some people describe it as feeling like “a slight pressure” or a “weight” on the eye, but it should not be painful.
This pressure sensation is temporary and disappears as soon as the procedure is over. The entire LASIK surgery typically lasts 10 to 15 minutes for both eyes, so the discomfort is minimal and brief.
3. Post-Surgery Sensations: Mild Pain and Discomfort
While laser eye surgery is painless during the procedure, it is normal to experience some mild pain or discomfort immediately following the surgery. This discomfort is often described as itchiness, grittiness, or a sensation of something being in your eye. Most patients experience mild discomfort for a few hours after the procedure, but this usually improves quickly.
If you experience discomfort after the procedure, your eye doctor may recommend pain medications or over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen to help alleviate the pain. Some patients may also experience light sensitivity and blurry vision during the first few days, but this typically resolves as the eyes heal.
4. Healing Process and Pain Management
The healing process after LASIK eye surgery is relatively quick, and most patients notice an improvement in vision within 24 hours. During the first few hours post-surgery, it’s common to experience some mild pain and discomfort, but the pain tends to subside as the day progresses. The healing process typically involves:
- Mild discomfort in the first few hours to days
- There is a slight pressure sensation in the eye as the corneal flap heals
- Increased sensitivity to light for the first few days
- Blurred vision for the first 24-48 hours as the eyes adjust
To minimize discomfort during recovery, you may be instructed to wear protective eye shields at night to prevent accidentally rubbing your eyes while you sleep. Your doctor may also recommend using eye drops to moisturise your eyes and reduce the risk of infection.
5. When Does the Pain Go Away?
For most patients, the mild pain and discomfort experienced after LASIK surgery usually subsides within the first 24-48 hours. However, light sensitivity and slight pressure can persist for several days to a week as the eyes heal. During this time, it is important to follow your eye surgeon’s instructions, including avoiding activities like contact sports, swimming, and rubbing your eyes, which can interfere with healing.
In most cases, laser eye surgery does not involve prolonged pain, and the discomfort is manageable with prescribed pain medications and proper post-surgery care. Full recovery and improved vision are typically experienced within a few weeks, with most patients enjoying clear vision and minimal discomfort soon after the procedure.
6. Severe Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
In rare cases, some patients may experience severe pain or increased discomfort after laser eye surgery. While this is not typical, it could indicate an issue with the healing process, such as an infection or corneal flap complication. If you experience severe pain, vision loss, or other concerning symptoms, it is essential to contact your eye doctor immediately.
Common signs of complications after LASIK eye surgery include:
- Severe pain that does not subside with pain medication
- Vision loss or drastic changes in vision
- Excessive redness or discharge from the eyes
- Flashes of light or halos around objects
These symptoms may be rare, but it’s always better to be cautious and consult with your LASIK surgeon if you experience any unusual discomfort or vision changes.
Benefits of Laser Eye Surgery and What to Expect
While laser eye surgery may involve mild discomfort during and after the procedure, the benefits far outweigh the temporary discomfort. Here’s what you can expect after LASIK surgery:
1. Improved Vision
Most patients experience a significant improvement in their vision within 24 hours of LASIK surgery, with many achieving 20/25 vision or better. The procedure effectively treats refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
2. Faster Recovery
The recovery time for LASIK eye surgery is relatively short. Most patients can resume normal activities, such as reading, watching TV, or working, within a day or two of the procedure. Full recovery takes a few weeks, and patients usually experience little to no discomfort after the first few days.
3. No More Glasses or Contact Lenses
One of the most significant benefits of laser eye surgery is its freedom from glasses and contact lenses. For many people, the ability to see clearly without corrective eyewear is a life-changing experience.
4. Long-Term Results
Laser eye surgery provides long-term, permanent results for most patients. Once your vision is corrected, you can expect to enjoy a clearer vision for many years, with minimal changes in the future.
Conclusion
The question, “Does laser eye surgery hurt?” is common among those considering the procedure, but the reality is that laser vision correction is generally not painful. Anesthetic eye drops to ensure that the procedure is comfortable, and most patients experience only mild discomfort or a pressure sensation. After the surgery, some mild pain or light sensitivity is common, but this typically resolves within a few hours to days.
As with any surgical procedure, following your surgeon’s post-surgery instructions is essential to ensure a smooth recovery and optimal outcomes. If you’re considering laser eye surgery, rest assured that the discomfort is minimal compared to the long-term benefits of clearer vision and freedom from glasses or contacts.
References
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/eyes-laser-eye-surgery
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/laser-eye-surgery
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/lasik-eye-surgery/about/pac-20384774