Laser eye surgery has changed the lives of millions by offering freedom from glasses and contact lenses. But as with any surgical procedure, one common concern stands out: is laser eye surgery painful? If you’re considering LASIK or any form of laser vision correction, it’s natural to be a little nervous about how it feels.
Let’s walk through the full experience of laser eye surgery so you’ll know exactly what to expect in terms of pain, comfort, and recovery. We’ll cover the procedure itself, what happens during the healing process, and how your eye doctor works to keep discomfort to a minimum.
What Is Laser Eye Surgery?
Laser eye surgery, also known as corneal refractive surgery, is designed to correct common vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The most popular form is LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis), where a thin flap is created on the cornea and reshaped using an excimer laser. Another type uses a femtosecond laser to create the flap.
The goal is simple: reshape the surface of the eye to improve the way it focuses light, giving you clearer vision, often immediately after the procedure.
Is Laser Eye Surgery Painful During the Procedure?
A Comfortable Setup with Numbing Drops
The short answer is no, laser eye surgery is not painful. Before the procedure begins, your surgeon applies anaesthetic eye drops that completely numb the eyes, ensuring you don’t feel pain during the treatment.
Some patients report feeling a slight pressure sensation, especially when the corneal flap is created. However, this is generally described as odd or unusual rather than painful. A mild sedative may also be offered to help you relax before entering the laser suite.
Holding the Eyelids Open
One of the steps that may sound intimidating, but isn’t, is the use of a device to keep your eyelids open gently. It prevents blinking and allows the laser to be delivered precisely. You’ll still be able to move your eye slightly, and the laser tracks these movements in real time.
What You Might Feel
- A feeling of pressure or mild tugging when the thin flap is created
- Some awareness of bright lights
- A mild burning sensation from the laser’s work, but it’s not painful
The entire surgery is quick and usually takes less than 15 minutes for both eyes. Most patients say the anticipation is far worse than the procedure itself.
What Happens After the Surgery?
The First Few Hours: Mild Discomfort Is Normal
While laser eye surgery doesn’t hurt during the procedure, you may feel mild discomfort in the first few hours after. This can include:
- Stinging or gritty feeling in the eyes
- Light sensitivity
- Watery eyes
- A sensation like there’s something in your eye
Some patients say it feels like they’ve been cutting onions or have a dirty contact lens in. These sensations usually pass within 4 to 6 hours.
Pain Levels and Individual Differences
Most patients experience mild pain or irritation, if any. It’s uncommon to experience severe pain. If you experience this, you should contact your eye doctor or surgeon immediately, as it may be a sign of a rare complication, such as an infection or flap displacement.
How Long Does Healing Take?
Short-Term Recovery
Your vision may be blurry right after surgery, but many people notice improved vision within hours. Full clarity can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on your prescription and individual healing response.
You’ll be given:
- Protective eye shields to wear at night
- Special eye drops to prevent infection and promote healing
- Instructions to avoid rubbing your eyes
Things to Avoid
During the healing process, your surgeon will likely recommend that you:
- Avoid bright lights for the first 24 hours
- Refrain from contact sports for a couple of weeks
- Keep water, soap, and makeup away from your eyes initially
- Steer clear of hot tubs and swimming pools
These steps help ensure the eyes heal properly and reduce the risk of potential complications, such as corneal ectasia.
What Can You Do to Minimize Discomfort?
Follow Aftercare Instructions Closely
Your post-surgery care plan is crucial. Take your eye drops as directed, use artificial tears to ease dryness, and attend every follow-up appointment.
Wear Sunglasses and Protective Gear
Your eyes may be sensitive to sunlight or indoor brightness, so wear goggles or sunglasses during the early healing phase.
Communicate With Your Surgeon
If you’re concerned at any point—whether you’re feeling more discomfort than expected or just unsure if something is normal—talk to your eye doctor right away. It’s always better to check than to wait.
Is LASIK More Comfortable Than Other Procedures?
LASIK laser eye surgery is generally the least uncomfortable option among the types of laser vision correction procedures. PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy), for example, involves removing the surface layer of the cornea without creating a flap, which can result in more post-op discomfort and a longer recovery time.
So, if you’re wondering if LASIK eye surgery hurts, most patients will tell you the LASIK procedure feels strange but not painful, and any discomfort afterwards is very manageable.
When to Seek Help After Surgery
While most patients recover smoothly, call your surgeon if you:
- Experience severe pain that worsens over time
- Have extreme light sensitivity that doesn’t improve
- Notice vision loss or significant blurring that doesn’t improve
- Develop swelling or redness
These could be signs of infection or another issue requiring medical attention.
Final Thoughts: Pain-Free Vision Correction Is Possible
So, is laser eye surgery painful? For the vast majority of people, no. The procedure itself is painless, thanks to numbing eye drops, and any mild discomfort afterwards is temporary and manageable with proper care.
Laser eye surgery is a quick, effective, and safe way to achieve clear vision without relying on glasses or contact lenses. With the right expectations, proper aftercare, and support from your eye doctor, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying life with better vision and minimal discomfort.
If you’re still concerned about whether laser eye surgery hurts, bring it up during your consultation. A great surgeon will always take time to explain your options, ease your nerves, and ensure your journey is as smooth as possible.
References:
https://www.healthline.com/health/does-laser-eye-surgery-hurt
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/laser-eye-surgery
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/lasik-eye-surgery/about/pac-20384774
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8319231/