Is LASIK Surgery Very Painful?

Do you have pain during LASIK Surgery?

LASIK surgery is performed by surgeons to boost vision and lessen reliance on glasses or contact lenses. It is a popular choice for correcting refractive errors, including myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. However, a most frequent query that everyone has about LASIK surgery is whether this procedure is painful.  

Pre-Surgical Phase: Addressing Pain Concerns

Ophthalmologists determine if patients are fit for this procedure through a thorough eye test. Throughout this period, surgeons were informed about this process and what to expect after it. Fear of pain is inevitable, and surgeons usually spend time reassuring a patient. Preparing the patient for surgery involves putting drops in their eyes to numb them. These drops are extremely effective in anaesthetising the eye so that a patient will feel no pain while undergoing this procedure.

The LASIK Procedure: A Painless Experience

LASIK is a day-surgery procedure that typically takes 15 to 30 minutes per eye. The actual laser procedure takes less than one minute per eye. Once the anaesthetic drops have taken hold, a surgeon holds your eyelids open using a speculum and prevents you from blinking. While this might be uncomfortable or feel like pressure, it does not hurt.

The initial procedure of LASIK is the creation of a thin flap in the cornea. This is done either by a microkeratome (a small knife) or a femtosecond laser. Patients may experience a little pressure on the eye, but it is usually not painful because of the numbing drops. An excimer laser helps reshape the underlying corneal tissue. This reshaping adjusts the refractive error after the creation and opening of the flap.

 
Post-Surgical Discomfort: What to Expect

Although LASIK surgery itself is usually painless, some patients might experience mild discomfort during the first few hours of recovery. However, the discomfort is temporary and bearable. During the first few hours after the surgery, it is normal to have the following symptoms:

●  Mild burning or stinging
●  Tearing or watery eyes
●  Sensitivity to light
●  A gritty sensation, as if there is an eyelash in the eye
●  Mild blurred vision or haziness

These feelings are usually characterised as small irritations instead of pain. They usually resolve within a few hours to a couple of days. Physicians advise patients to rest their eyes and avoid rubbing them to promote healing.

To deal with any post-operative pain, the surgeons can suggest over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen. Furthermore, doctors prescribe medicated eye drops to avoid infection and inflammation. They can suggest artificial tears to keep the eyes moist and relieve dryness, which can last for a few weeks after surgery.

Long-Term Pain and Complications

While LASIK is considered safe and typically painless, it is important to be aware of the possible complications—however rare they may be. Here's a list of potential long-term issues associated with LASIK surgery:

• Rare but Possible Discomfort: A small number of patients may experience prolonged discomfort or dry eyes lasting several months after LASIK.
• Manageable with Proper Care: These symptoms are usually manageable with the right medication and follow-up care, often improving over time.
• Potential Serious Complications: Although rare, severe issues like corneal flap problems, infections, or visual disturbances such as halos and glare can occur.
• Skilled Surgeons Minimise Risks: The likelihood of serious complications is significantly reduced when the surgery is performed by an experienced and skilled ophthalmologist.
• Chronic Pain is Uncommon: Long-term or chronic pain is not typical after LASIK and may suggest an underlying problem that requires prompt medical evaluation.
• Follow-Up is Crucial: Attending all post-surgery follow-up appointments is essential to monitor healing and catch potential problems early.
• Psychological Factors Matter: Fear or anxiety about the procedure—especially the idea of a laser near the eye—can heighten the perception of pain.
• Sedation May Help: Mild sedatives can help anxious patients relax before the procedure.
• Open Communication is Key: Honest discussions with your surgeon and understanding the full process can ease fears and reduce perceived pain.

Overall, people generally do not find LASIK surgery to be painful. The application of numbing eye drops guarantees that patients do not experience pain at the time of the actual procedure.

 
Although some minor discomfort may be experienced during the initial healing process, it is usually short-term and can be treated with simple remedies. Most patients are highly satisfied with the procedure and are amazed at its painless and quick nature. Therefore, fear of pain should never be a huge discouragement for those contemplating LASIK to correct their vision.

Also Read:

→ Is LASIK 100% Safe

→ Does LASIK Hurt Night Vision

→ Can Vision Go Bad After LASIK

→ What does LASIK Surgery do