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Does LASIK Eye Surgery Hurt? (Is LASIK Painful?)
by Robert Dinga, O.D.

LASIK Eye Surgery: Debunking Pain Myths and Ensuring Patient Comfort


LASIK eye surgery has gained increasingly popular due to its patient-friendly attributes. The procedure is swift, taking just about 15 minutes for both eyes, and initiates the healing process with minimal discomfort. Patients can expect to see improvements in their vision and resume most regular activities shortly after the procedure. Despite the consistent results of LASIK surgery, some people have lingering questions.

One of the major concerns for many individuals is whether LASIK eye surgery is painful. In most cases, that answer is no. This article will explore the reasons behind the minimal pain or discomfort experienced during LASIK eye surgery.

Why LASIK Eye Surgery Is Minimally Painful:

To understand why LASIK is associated with little to no pain, it is crucial to comprehend the mechanics of the procedure. LASIK aims to gently reshape the cornea by treating minuscule tissue sections using a precise laser. Throughout the process, the LASIK surgeon ensures patient comfort.

Pre-Procedure Anesthetic:

Before the LASIK eye surgery commences, the specialist applies numbing eye drops to the surface of the eyes. These drops are similar to those typically used for lubricating dry eyes but contain a numbing agent to mitigate any discomfort during the procedure, leaving only mild pressure sensations.

No Need for Sedation:

LASIK eliminates the need for heavy sedatives or general anesthesia, which means no injections or drowsiness post-surgery. The numbing eye drops are sufficient to ensure comfort during the procedure

Experiences During LASIK Surgery:

The first stage of the surgery involves creating a corneal flap. Patients might feel a sensation of pressure, but it is more peculiar than painful. A specialized instrument holds the eyelids open during the procedure, which may feel unusual but is not painful.

Precision of the Excimer Laser:

The excimer laser used in LASIK eye surgery emits a cool beam that is extremely precise and guided by a computer that maps the eye’s structure at a microscopic level. During the corneal reshaping stage, patients should not feel any discomfort.

Post-Procedure Symptoms and Healing:

Once the LASIK eye surgery is complete, patients may experience mild pain, itching, or discomfort as their eyes heal and vision stabilizes. Such symptoms are typical and usually subside as the healing process progresses. Although no surgical procedure can be entirely pain-free, LASIK surgery comes remarkably close, both during and after the operation.

In conclusion, LASIK eye surgery stands out as an almost pain-free option for vision correction, thanks to its minimally invasive approach, the use of local anesthetic, and its rapid recovery time. This makes LASIK an attractive choice for individuals seeking a reliable and comfortable solution to improve their eyesight.

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author
Robert Dinga, O.D.
Robert Dinga, O.D.
Dr. Dinga is a clinical and operations executive with over 20 years of experience and a proven track record of success. Dr.…

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Does LASIK Eye Surgery Hurt? (Is LASIK Painful?)
Does LASIK Eye Surgery Hurt? (Is LASIK Painful?)
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