Is Laser Eye Surgery Painful?

Is Laser Eye Surgery Painful? What to Expect and How to Manage?

Laser eye surgery has revolutionized the vision world and has become one of the most popular ways to correct vision problems.  However, many patients who are due to have laser eye surgery are concerned if the procedure is painful. 

Are you wondering if laser eye surgery is painful? If yes, Keep reading to know more if laser eye surgery is painful.

Understanding Laser Eye Surgery

Laser eye surgery is a procedure performed to correct vision problems, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. 

It involves reshaping the surface of the eye to correct vision problems using an ultra-precise laser and achieve clear vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses. Once completed, the light will be effectively falls on the retina correcting the refractive error.

The different types of laser eye surgery are 

• LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis)
• PRK (Photorefractive keratectomy)
• SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction)
• LASEK (Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis)
• EPi-LASIK
• ASLA (Advanced Surface Laser Ablation)

Is Laser Eye Surgery Painful During The Procedure?

Laser eye surgery is typically performed under local anesthetic drops that will numb the surface of the eye. It is generally painless during the procedure and the majority of people stay awake during the procedure. 

• LASIK and SMILE: During LASIK or SMILE, the LASIK flap or SMILE lenticule is created within 30-40 seconds and most patients may experience a feeling of pressure in their eyes during the procedure but it is not painful.
• LASEK and PRK:  During LASEK or PRK, most patients experience no pain during the surgery as the surface of the eye is completely numbed with anesthetic drops. 

Does Laser Eye Surgery Hurt After Surgery?

While the surgery itself is generally painless, the patients may feel burning, itching, or an irritating sensation after the procedure. If you experience discomfort, your ophthalmologist may suggest a mild pain reliever. It will typically resolve within few days of the surgery.

• After LASIK: Some may experience mild discomfort after the LASIK surgery which resolves and patients may return to work the day after surgery.
• After the LASEK or PRK surgery: A bandage contact lens is placed on the surface of the eye after LASEK or PRK. So, the patients may experience irritation for two to three days after the surgery. It will resolve within a few days after the surgery.

If you experience persistent eye pain after laser eye surgery, it is often due to postoperative inflammation. In such cases, you may require antibiotics and NSAIDs to minimize inflammation and infection.

Potential Complications That May Cause Pain

Laser eye surgery is generally safe and complications may occasionally occur. It may include infection or a dislodged corneal flap which may in turn cause severe pain. It may also cause corneal haze and dry eyes that may lead to discomfort.

If these symptoms persist for a long time or develop new, unusual, or worsening symptoms, contact your ophthalmologist immediately. 

Post-Surgery Eye Care To Minimize Discomfort

It is recommended that you follow your ophthalmologist after your laser eye surgery. The postoperative eye care required are

• Wear a protective eye shield while sleeping to prevent eye injury
• Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from bright light
• Wear lubricating eye drops to relieve dryness and discomfort
• Have adequate rest. Avoid prolonged screen time or reading that could strain your eyes.
• Avoid rubbing the eyes after the procedure
• Avoid driving especially at night for at least a month after the surgery
• Avoid contact sports until specified by the doctor
• Avoid wearing lotions, or eye makeup for at least 2 weeks after surgery.

About Surya Eye Hospital: A Leader In Vision Care

Surya Eye Hospital located in Mumbai offers the latest Eye care innovation with 40+ years of experience, skilled eye specialists, the latest technology, and world-class equipment. They provide a thorough assessment and personalized treatment for your eye-related issues.  

Whether you are seeking LASIK, PRK, SMILE or other laser eye surgery, Surya Eye Hospital is an excellent choice for achieving clearer vision. 

Conclusion

Laser eye surgeries are generally painless and most people do not experience any pain after the procedure except for mild pressure and discomfort. However, if you experience severe pain, it is recommended to contact your ophthalmologist right away.

If you are considering laser eye surgery and still wondering if it is painful, book an appointment with us at Surya Eye Hospital today for a consultation. We will answer all your questions to help you make an informed decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does laser eye surgery hurt during the procedure?

No, laser eye surgery generally does not hurt during the procedure itself. Numbing eye drops are applied to ensure that the eyes are completely pain-free. However, you may feel some pressure or mild discomfort but it should not be painful.

What does laser surgery feel like?

Most patients do not feel any pain during the laser eye surgery. You may experience mild pain and discomfort. You may also feel irritation, burning, itchiness, watery eyes, blurry vision, and grittiness which will resolve on its own after a few days.

Can I cry after LASIK?

Yes, you may cry after laser eye surgery. It may help in lubricating the eyes and help with dryness after the surgery. But, avoid rubbing the eyes even if you are crying as it may disrupt the healing process. 

Most patients report minimal discomfort during LASIK eye surgery in Mumbai due to advanced techniques.

References

• https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/lasik/what-should-i-expect-during-and-after-surgery
• https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/lasik-eye-surgery/about/pac-20384774
• https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/laser-eye-surgery
• https://www.allaboutvision.com/visionsurgery/lasik.htm