If you’re considering laser eye surgery to correct vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, you may have some concerns about the process. One common question people ask is, “Are you awake during laser eye surgery?” The thought of undergoing any surgical procedure on your eyes can be unsettling, but understanding the process, what to expect, and the options available can help put your mind at ease.
In this blog, we’ll explain everything you need to know about laser eye surgery, including whether you’re awake during the procedure, how it works, and what to expect before, during, and after the LASIK procedure.
What Is Laser Eye Surgery?
Laser eye surgery, or LASIK, is a type of refractive surgery designed to correct vision problems by reshaping the cornea, the clear outer layer of the eye. The surgery aims to improve vision and reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses.
LASIK Procedure Overview
During LASIK surgery, a surgical team uses a special laser to create a thin flap in the corneal tissue. This flap is gently lifted, and another laser is used to reshape the cornea to correct the vision. Once the reshaping is done, the flap is repositioned to heal naturally. This procedure is minimally invasive and is known for its quick recovery time and high success rate.
There are different types of laser eye surgery, but LASIK surgery is one of the most commonly performed and has been proven to deliver excellent results for most patients.
Are You Awake During LASIK Surgery?
Let’s address the key question: are you awake during LASIK surgery? The short answer is yes—you remain awake during the LASIK procedure. However, you won’t feel pain or discomfort due to the numbing eye drops administered before the surgery.
Here’s what happens during a typical LASIK procedure:
1. Before the Surgery: Anesthesia and Preparation
Before the procedure begins, your eye doctor will apply numbing eye drops to ensure you don’t feel any pain during the surgery. These drops temporarily numb the surface of your eye so that you will remain comfortable throughout the procedure.
In addition to the numbing drops, some patients may receive a mild sedative to help them relax and remain calm during the surgery. This is especially helpful for those who are nervous or anxious about the procedure. The sedative doesn’t make you sleep but helps you feel relaxed and at ease.
2. During the Procedure: Staying Awake and Comfortable
Once the numbing eye drops have taken effect, the surgical procedure begins. The surgical team will gently hold your eyelids open using a special tool, but there is no need to worry—your eyelids won’t be forced open in an uncomfortable way.
You will be asked to look at a fixed light above you, and the laser will begin reshaping your cornea. The procedure itself usually takes only a few minutes per eye. Most patients report feeling pressure during the procedure, but no pain should exist. Some people also hear clicking sounds during laser surgery, but that’s normal and not a cause for concern.
Although you’re awake, your doctor will ensure you’re as comfortable as possible and that the procedure is completed safely. The numbing drops will keep your eye from feeling anything, so you won’t feel discomfort even though you remain awake.
3. Post-Procedure: Recovery and Aftercare
After the laser eye surgery is completed, you’ll be able to return home the same day. You may experience some temporary discomfort, such as mild irritation, dry eyes, or a sensation of something being in your eye, but these symptoms usually subside within a few hours.
You will be given eye drops to help keep your eyes moist and promote healing. It’s important to follow post-surgery care instructions closely, including:
- Avoid rubbing your eyes.
- Take it easy for the first few days.
- Attending follow-up visits with your eye doctor ensures your recovery progresses smoothly.
Why Are You Awake During Laser Eye Surgery?
You might be wondering why you remain awake during LASIK surgery, especially considering the proximity of the laser to your eyes. The primary reason is that LASIK is a minimally invasive procedure that requires only surface-level intervention on your cornea. Because the cornea doesn’t have many pain receptors, the numbing drops are sufficient to make the procedure comfortable without general anesthesia.
Additionally, awake during LASIK surgery allows you to follow simple instructions, such as keeping your eyes still and looking at the light. This makes the procedure more efficient and ensures the laser is applied accurately, resulting in better vision correction.
Local Anesthesia vs. General Anesthesia
- Local anesthesia: With LASIK, only numbing drops are needed to numb the eye’s surface, allowing you to remain awake but pain-free. This type of anesthesia is quick to administer and typically has fewer risks than general anesthesia.
- General anesthesia: In contrast, general anesthesia involves being put to sleep for the surgery. It’s typically used for more invasive procedures, but it is not necessary for LASIK, which is a safe, precise, and quick procedure that can be done under local anesthesia.
How Long Does Laser Eye Surgery Take?
One of the biggest benefits of LASIK surgery is its speed. The actual laser surgery only takes about 10 to 15 minutes per eye. After the numbing eye drops are applied, the surgical team works quickly to create the corneal flap, reshape the cornea, and reposition the flap. The entire procedure for both eyes can often be completed in 30 minutes or less.
Recovery time is also relatively quick. Most patients notice improved vision within 24 to 48 hours, although full visual acuity can take several weeks to stabilize. The best part? There is no need for overnight stays in the hospital—patients can go home the same day.
What to Expect After LASIK Surgery
Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect after the LASIK procedure:
1. Immediate Aftercare
After the procedure, you may experience mild discomfort, such as itchiness or a feeling of dryness in your eyes. This is completely normal, and your doctor will provide instructions for managing these symptoms, including using eye drops to keep your eyes lubricated.
2. Rest and Recovery
For a few weeks after surgery, it’s essential to avoid strenuous activities, contact sports, and excessive eye rubbing. Most patients can return to normal activities within a day or two, but it’s important to follow your doctor’s advice regarding post-surgery care.
3. Follow-Up Visits
You must attend follow-up appointments with your eye doctor to ensure your healing progresses. These visits allow your doctor to monitor your vision and ensure everything is healing properly.
Potential Risks and Considerations
As with any surgical procedure, there are risks involved in laser eye surgery. These risks include:
- Dry eyes can be temporary or, in rare cases, long-lasting.
- Visual disturbances, such as glare, halos, or double vision, generally subside within a few weeks.
- Infection or complications with the corneal flap are rare when proper aftercare is followed.
It’s crucial to have a free LASIK consultation to discuss your medical history and determine if you’re a good candidate for the procedure. Some patients with certain vision conditions or eye health issues may not be suitable candidates for LASIK surgery.
Conclusion
LASIK surgery is a safe and effective procedure for correcting vision problems, and most patients are awake throughout the procedure. Numbing eye drops and a mild sedative ensure you’re comfortable and pain-free during the procedure, which typically takes only a few minutes per eye. Laser eye surgery is a minimally invasive option with a quick recovery time, allowing patients to enjoy better vision within a short period.
If you’re considering LASIK or any other laser vision correction options, it’s essential to consult with an experienced eye doctor or ophthalmologist to determine the best treatment plan for you. With proper pre-surgery consultation and aftercare, laser eye surgery can dramatically improve your quality of life by reducing dependence on glasses and contact lenses.
References
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/laser-eye-surgery-and-lens-surgery/
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/laser-eye-surgery
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/lasik-eye-surgery/about/pac-20384774