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To address nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism, laser eye surgery reconfigures the cornea, the front surface of the eye. Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is one of the most frequently done refractive eye operations. Hundreds of thousands of Americans have LASIK each year due to their decreased need for eyeglasses and contact lenses. Does LASIK hurt?

Why will People Think that Lasik Eye Surgery is Painful?

You might have heard some very terrifying tales regarding laser eye surgery, and as a result, people hold the misconception that LASIK is an excruciatingly painful procedure. That’s just another urban myth! If that’s the case, where did the notion ever come from? However, even though corneal refractive surgery may have been difficult in the past, it is not currently uncomfortable.

Since the 1960s, advancements in the procedures used in refractive surgery have been made. It wasn’t until 1999 that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gave its clearance to perform LASIK; therefore, this procedure has been in the works for quite some time. People are understandably curious whether or not laser eye surgery is painful because the procedures utilized before the development of LASIK did include some discomfort.

What Causes Pain During Lasik Eye Surgery?

In most cases, the absence of anesthesia during surgical procedures leads to patients experiencing discomfort. Does eye surgery hurt? It is contingent upon the kind of surgical procedure that is carried out as well as the level of anesthesia that is administered to the patient. While other eye operations require general anesthesia to be administered to the patient, LASIK needs to numb the eyes themselves.

Since very little tissue is moved during surgery, a topical application of the anesthetic can be used to achieve the desired results in terms of pain management. In addition, a sedative is typically used orally to facilitate relaxation throughout the process of the surgery. This means that you will be awake for the entirety of the treatment, which is necessary because you will be asked to look at a target during the process; nonetheless, the operation itself is rather painless.

Is the LASIK procedure uncomfortable? How painful is the LASIK procedure? You’ll be relieved that pain is not typically an issue with LASIK, which is good news. Although only a small amount of tissue is being removed, various drugs are administered to the patient to ensure their comfort throughout the procedure.

How Uncomfortable is Laser Eye Surgery?

How uncomfortable is the LASIK procedure, exactly? It shouldn’t be a problem if you utilize oral sedation and drops that numb the area being worked on topically. Despite this, there will still be some awareness and the sensation of the process being carried out. During surgery, an apparatus is utilized to gently keep open the eyelids and restrict blinking, which might result in a sensation of pressure being applied.

Throughout the process, lubrication is maintained in the eye to prevent dryness and discomfort. Although you will feel pressure when the flap is being produced on the cornea, you should not experience any discomfort because the numbing drops will be in place. The laser treatment process itself does not cause any discomfort. The sedative aids in taking the edge off the anxious feelings that certain individuals have due to the sounds.

Will Lasik Eye Surgery Hurt After the Process?

If there is no pain associated with LASIK during the procedure, would laser eye surgery cause any discomfort after it has been completed It is not unusual for patients to have discomfort within the first few hours immediately after finishing their treatment. Patients will be provided with oral pain medicine to reduce their level of distress. Most patients can go home and sleep through the first few hours after having an oral sedative administered since it remains in their system.

Pain in the eye following LASIK surgery is frequently brought on by postoperative inflammation. During the healing phase, you will utilize eye drops containing anti-inflammatory medications, including steroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAID), to reduce inflammation.

After LASIK, how long will eyes continue to hurt? The good news is that even if you have any discomfort, it ought to ease up within a few hours. If you have extreme pain after having LASIK surgery, you should make an appointment with your primary care physician as soon as possible.

Conclusion

Does laser eye surgery like LASIK cause pain? I sincerely hope you have concluded that the answer is “no.” The LASIK technique is a non-invasive outpatient surgery that takes about ten minutes for each eye to complete. LASIK is currently one of the refractive operations that are performed the most frequently. It cures nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, making it possible to reduce or eliminate the need for corrective lenses.

Ready to explore LASIK surgery further or connect with top-rated surgeons? Search our directory to find the right expert for your needs.

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About the Author Written by Dr. Michael Shumski, M.D., M.S.E.

Dr. Shumski is a board-certified ophthalmologist specializing in cataract & refractive surgery at Magruder Laser Vision in central Florida.

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