Laser eye surgery, particularly LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis), is a widely performed procedure for correcting vision and reducing dependence on glasses or contact lenses for individuals with nearsightedness or farsightedness. LASIK reshapes the cornea, and only patients who are found to be a good candidate for the procedure after a thorough evaluation can undergo it.
If you are thinking about getting laser eye surgery, you may be thinking about whether you will be in pain or not. This concern is common, and a lot of patients raise this issue with their eye doctor. In this article, we will explore laser eye surgery and talk about what you might feel during and after surgery, as reported by patients.
Before LASIK Surgery
LASIK involves the use of a relaxant and anesthetic drops, so you are relaxed and do not feel any sensation during the procedure.
LASIK Surgery Procedure
LASIK surgery is itself virtually painless. The anesthetic comes in the form of eye drops and is administered before the surgery. The patient lies on their back and is asked to keep focus on a flashing light, to ensure the laser is delivered with precision. Then, the eye surgeon proceeds to reshape the cornea and correct refractive errors without the use of a blade – just lasers. Afterward, the flap is put back in place. All this takes place in a matter of a few minutes.
Patients are typically awake and alert during the surgery, and while they may feel some pressure or experience mild discomfort, the anesthetic drops work to minimize any sensation of pain.
How Will I Feel During LASIK?
Since patients are aware and alert during LASIK surgery, they can report on the sensations they feel. Patients who undergo LASIK may experience a sensation of pressure. Many patients describe feeling a mild to moderate pressure sensation during certain stages of the procedure. This pressure is often attributed to the creation of the corneal flap and the reshaping of the underlying tissue using the laser.
How Will I Feel After LASIK?
After LASIK, there are certain sensations you may feel, such as:
1. Burning and Itching
Some patients experience light burning and itching sensations, particularly in the hours after surgery. These sensations are considered normal as the cornea begins to heal. It is reported that any discomfort or soreness following LASIK generally subsides within the first 12 to 24 hours after the surgery.
2. Gritty or Foreign Body Sensation
Patients may feel as though there is a foreign body or grittiness in the eye following the surgery. This sensation is transient and tends to diminish as the healing process progresses.
3. Blurry Vision and Light Sensitivity
Immediately after LASIK, it’s typical for patients to experience blurry vision and heightened sensitivity to light. Patients should not remove protective eyewear provided to them after surgery.
4. Discomfort and Dry Eyes
The eye doctor will prescribe eye drops for use after LASIK. This can help with discomfort and dry eyes, which is common after the surgery.
After LASIK surgery, patients should not experience significant pain. This type of response to the surgery is very rare. Call your eye surgeon’s office if you are experiencing severe symptoms following laser eye surgery.
Laser eye surgery has an over 96 percent success rate in achieving 20/20 visual acuity. A significant majority of patients express satisfaction with the results of LASIK surgery, reporting improved vision and enhanced lifestyles. This high satisfaction rate is reflected in research surveys conducted several months after the operation.
Why Choose an Experienced LASIK Surgeon
Your laser eye surgery should only be performed by a highly experienced LASIK surgeon. While LASIK is generally safe and has many benefits, the risk of complications is higher with an inexperienced or disreputable provider.
Top LASIK Surgeon in Coral Gables, FL
The eye care professionals at the Laser Center of Coral Gables are some of the most trusted names in laser vision eye correction in South Florida. Our medical director, Dr. Alberto Aran, is an experienced and respected ophthalmic surgeon and is one of the very first eye doctors to perform LASIK surgery in Florida.
We maintain very high standards of care and safety for our patients. Our team is thorough and will make sure you are a good candidate for any recommended procedure and receive an individualized treatment program. We are more than happy to answer any questions you may have about LASIK and address your concerns.
To schedule an appointment with us, call our office today at (305) 461-0003 or use our online form. The friendly staff at the Laser Center of Coral Gables awaits your call.
