One of the most common concerns for people considering LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) eye surgery is whether the procedure will be painful. After all, the idea of having a laser directed at your eyes can sound intimidating, and no one wants to go through a surgical procedure only to experience discomfort. Fortunately, LASIK eye surgery is known for being relatively painless, both during and after the procedure. In this article, we’ll break down what to expect when it comes to pain during LASIK surgery and how the recovery process typically feels.
Pain During LASIK Surgery
Before the LASIK procedure begins, your surgeon will administer numbing eye drops to ensure that you do not feel pain during the surgery. These drops are highly effective at numbing the surface of the eye, so you won’t experience discomfort or pain while the laser is reshaping your cornea.
While the eye is numb, most patients do not feel anything during the actual procedure. However, it’s common to experience some pressure or a sensation of pushing as the surgeon uses instruments to keep your eye open and to create the thin flap in the cornea. Some patients may report feeling a slight sensation of something touching the eye, but this is typically not painful—just unusual or uncomfortable.
You will be awake throughout the surgery, but your surgeon will guide you through each step of the process, and you’ll be asked to focus on a target light to help you keep your eyes still. Although you may feel some pressure or movement, the procedure itself generally takes only around 10 to 15 minutes per eye, so any sensations you feel will be brief.
Pain Immediately After LASIK Surgery
Once the LASIK procedure is complete, the numbing drops will wear off, and you may experience some mild discomfort in your eyes. Many people describe this feeling as a sensation of dryness, grittiness, or irritation, similar to having something in the eye. This discomfort is typically mild and can be managed with prescribed lubricating eye drops that help keep the eyes moist and comfortable during the healing process.
Some patients may also experience sensitivity to light or a slight burning sensation, but these symptoms usually subside within a few hours after surgery. Most people can go back to their normal activities within a day or two, though it’s important to avoid strenuous activities or rubbing the eyes during the first week of recovery.
Pain During Recovery
The recovery process after LASIK is typically quick, with most patients reporting only minimal pain. In the days following surgery, you might experience mild eye irritation, blurriness, or dry eyes, which are all common as your eyes heal and adjust to the changes made during the surgery. These sensations can be alleviated with the use of lubricating eye drops or other medications prescribed by your surgeon.
Some patients also experience visual fluctuations during the healing process, such as seeing halos or starbursts around lights, but these side effects are usually temporary and fade as the eyes heal over the next few weeks. For the majority of people, these side effects are not painful, but they may be a little bothersome.
If you experience significant pain, a sudden loss of vision, or other unusual symptoms after LASIK, it’s important to contact your surgeon immediately, as these could indicate a complication.
Managing Pain After LASIK
To minimize discomfort and promote healing after LASIK, there are a few key steps to follow:
- Use prescribed eye drops: These will help prevent dryness and irritation and reduce the risk of infection.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes: Even if your eyes feel uncomfortable or itchy, refrain from rubbing them, as this can disrupt the healing process or cause injury.
- Wear sunglasses: To protect your eyes from bright lights and glare, especially in the first few days after surgery.
- Take it easy: Avoid strenuous physical activities for the first few days, as these can increase the risk of complications or discomfort.
- Get plenty of rest: Resting your eyes by avoiding screens, reading, or any activities that strain your eyes for the first 24-48 hours can help with the healing process.
LASIK eye surgery is known for being a quick and relatively painless procedure. The most discomfort patients report comes from the pressure during the surgery and mild irritation or dryness during the recovery period. With the help of numbing drops during the procedure and prescribed medications post-surgery, most patients find the experience to be far less painful than they anticipated. The recovery process is typically straightforward, and most people resume normal activities within a day or two.
While every patient’s experience is different, the general consensus is that LASIK is a well-tolerated procedure, and the minor discomfort experienced during the recovery period is easily manageable. If you’re considering LASIK eye surgery but are concerned about pain, rest assured that the procedure is designed to minimize discomfort while offering significant improvements to your vision.