Does the LASIK procedure hurt?
Patients are given a topical anesthetic (eye drops) to numb the eye, so they experience no pain. 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. After the first few hours, this uncomfortable feeling usually subsides.
Answer Patients will be given a local anesthetic ( eye drops ) to numb the eye. They should experience no pain during the procedure. They may experience a slight pressure during the 10 15 seconds when the surgeon applies the vacuum ring and the microkeratome the instrument used to create the flap. The laser causes no pain at all but makes a audible noise. The patient will also notice the smell of the tissue that has been evaporated from the eyes surface (a sometimes frightening burning smell although the laser itself causes virtually no heat to the surrounding tissue). There are a number of symptoms that may occur immediately and on the first night after LASIK surgery. Patients may feel some irritation, similar to having dust in the eyes. Some people experience either tearing or dryness. Most symptoms will have improved by 80% on the morning after the surgery. It is important to get a full nights rest on that first night.
Anesthetic drops are put in your eye before LASIK which numbs the eye, so you won’t feel pain during the procedure. Afterwards, there may be a day or so of mild discomfort, often an itchy feeling as if there were sand in the eye (but don’t rub your eyes – you don’t want to dislocate the flap). If necessary, the doctor can prescribe medication, although most standard over the counter pain relievers are adequate. Most doctors will also prescribe the use of artificial tears which helps the eye during the healing process as well as helps to soothe the itchy, dry eye feeling.
