Does the LASIK procedure hurt?
Patients are given a topical anesthetic (eye drops) to numb the eye, so they experience no pain during the procedure. When the surgeon applies the vacuum ring, the patient experiences a sensation of pressure just before his or her vision fades for a few seconds. The microkeratome – the instrument the surgeon uses to create the flap – and the laser do not cause any pain or discomfort. For several hours after the procedure, many patients describe a mild burning sensation, such as after opening the eyes while swimming in chlorinated water. Therefore, taking a nap for the first 2 to 3 hours after LASIK is encouraged. After the first few hours, this uncomfortable feeling usually subsides.
Patients are given a topical anesthetic (eye drops) to numb the eye, so they experience no pain during the procedure. When the surgeon applies the vacuum ring, the patient experiences a sensation of slight pressure just before his or her vision fades away for a few seconds. The microkeratome – the instrument the surgeon uses to create the flap – and the laser do not cause any pain or discomfort. For several hours after the procedure, many patients describe a mild “foreign body” sensation, such as after opening the eyes while swimming in chlorinated water. Some people feel as though there is a dirty contact lens in their eye. After the first few hours, this uncomfortable feeling usually subsides.
Patients are given a topical anesthetic ( eye drops) to numb the eye, so they experience no pain during the procedure. When the surgeon applies the vacuum ring, the patient experience a sensation of pressure just before his or her vision fades for a few seconds. The microkeratome-the instrument the surgeon uses to create the flap – and the laser do not cause any pain of discomfort. For several hours after the procedure, many patients describe a mild burning sensation, such as after opening the eyes while swimming in chlorinated water. Therefore, taking a nap for the first 2 to 3 hours after LASIK is encouraged. After the first few hours, this feeling usually subsides.
