Is Laser Eye Surgery Painful?
The obvious concern everyone has whenever they embark on surgery is “Will it hurt?”. Your vision matters, and you have the right to know what to expect.
This article will review the common procedures Lasik and PRK, what do expect in terms of discomfort and how this is best managed afterwards.
Does Laser Eye Surgery Hurt During the Procedure?
No absolutely no pain at all – the only thing you might feel is a mild pressure during Lasik when the flap is being created with the femtosecond laser. Other than that the very strong numbing anaesthetic drops that are instilled prior to and during the procedure are very very effective. Imagine they are used also for lens replacement and cataract surgery – no needles or injections!
The laser procedure is very quick especially when performed by an experienced laser eye surgeon. Lasers are more precise and faster than ever before reducing time considerably. Before you know it the treatment is done!
Pain Levels by Type of Laser Eye Surgery
Centre for Sight surgeons choose the most optimal procedure for your eyes and customise the treatment to ensure you have the safest possible surgery and best possible outcome for each eye. Different laser eye procedures have different levels of discomfort afterwards.
Pain: Minimal if any at all
What You Feel: A slight pressure for 10 to 15 seconds while the corneal flap is created. You will not see much of what is happening and your vision may go dark, white or you may see a little movement.
Time to Recover: Quick – with good vision 4 to 6 hours later and most can resume most normal activities the next day.
Discomfort after surgery: Centre for Sight patients are advised to go home and have a nap for 4 hours. This makes a huge difference in terms of recovery with rapid resolution of discomfort described by some as a scratchy feeling or like soap in their eyes.
Pain: Mild to moderate discomfort for a couple of days after the procedure
What You Feel: Nothing while the procedure takes place. Similar anaesthetic drops are used as Lasik. Bandage contact lenses are placed right after the procedure to reduce discomfort. Centre for Sight patients are provided with numbing eye drops to be used if needed for the first 24 hours. Most do not require these but do feel some burning or discomfort on blinking. Patients are advised to keep the eyes closed as much as possible the first day to promote rapid recovery
Time to recover: Immediately following the procedure an improvement in vision is noticed. At about Day 3 vision deteriorates a little as the healing edges meet each other centrally and in the line of sight. This lasts for the day and by the next day patients see well again. Contact lenses are removed at about day 4 or 5.
Discomfort after surgery: A bit more uncomfortable than LASIK but much less than regular PRK. The bandage contact lens and eye drops helps to reduce discomfort.
What to Expect After Laser Eye Surgery
Most patients have minimal symptoms and these are some they might report:
- Mild dryness and irritation – treated with intense artificial tears
- Light sensitivity – best to reduce this by wearing sunglasses. This eases up fairly quickly
- Watery eyes or a slight burning sensation This is usually immediately following Lasik and disappears in 4 hours if the eyes are kept closed. For Transepi PRK this may last for a day or two.
- Blurry vision for a few hours to a day – depends on the procedure. Most see quite well and notice a positive difference right away. Lasik recovery is quick – certainly by the next day. Transepi PRK can take a few days.
It is important to follow aftercare instructions carefully including the use of the eyedrops provided. Resting the eyes will undoubtedly accelerate recovery.
Conclusion – Is Pain a big concern?
The answer is No. Discomfort if present is temporary and can be reduced with lubricating eye drops provided by the clinic. Any slight discomfort experienced pales in comparison to the benefits of visual freedom and how life can be transformed without the need for glasses and contact lenses anymore.
Like to know more about Laser Eye Surgery?
Get in contact with a member of our team, or click here to find out if you are suitable to be treated by UK’s best surgeons and longest provider or Lasik laser eye surgery.