Are You Awake During LASIK Surgery?

LASIK surgery has transformed the lives of countless individuals seeking freedom from glasses and contact lenses. At Restivo Laser Vision in Austin, we understand that undergoing LASIK surgery can be a significant decision, often accompanied by questions and concerns. One common inquiry revolves around whether patients are awake during the procedure. In this blog post, we aim to address this query and provide insight into the LASIK experience at Restivo Laser Vision.

Understanding LASIK Surgery:

LASIK is a precise surgical procedure designed to correct refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. This outpatient procedure involves reshaping the cornea using advanced laser technology, ultimately improving vision clarity without the need for glasses or contacts.

Are You Awake?

Yes, you are awake during LASIK surgery at Restivo Laser Vision. However, being awake during the procedure does not entail discomfort or pain. Instead, patients are kept comfortable with the use of local anesthesia in the form of numbing eye drops. These drops ensure that the eye's surface is adequately numbed, allowing for a painless experience throughout the surgery.

Can I See During the LASIK Surgery Procedure?

Generally, our surgeon will perform the Lasik Surgery Texas procedure one eye at a time. You will be able to see, but you will experience fluctuating vision or blurred vision throughout the process. We will use a small speculum instrument to keep your eyelids open. Then, when we position the laser over your eye, you may feel slight pressure if you are staring at the light.

The Procedure:

Before the LASIK procedure begins, our experienced LASIK surgeon administers numbing eye drops to ensure your comfort. Once the eye is sufficiently numbed, a small device is used to hold the eyelids open, preventing blinking. While this may sound intimidating, most patients report minimal discomfort, if any.

Next, the surgeon creates a thin corneal flap using a precise femtosecond laser. While you may feel slight pressure or sensations during this step, the procedure itself is painless. Once the flap is created, it is gently lifted, and the excimer laser is used to reshape the cornea to correct your vision. Throughout the process, you may notice various lights and sounds, but rest assured, you will not experience any pain.

The entire LASIK procedure typically lasts only about 15 minutes per eye, making it a quick and efficient solution for vision correction. After the surgery, the corneal flap naturally re-adheres without the need for stitches, promoting faster healing and recovery.

LASIK Recovery:

Following recovery after LASIK surgery at Restivo Laser Vision, some patients may experience mild discomfort or irritation, which can be managed with prescribed eye drops and over-the-counter pain relievers. Most patients notice an immediate improvement in their vision, with optimal results typically achieved within a few days to a week.

Undergoing LASIK surgery at Restivo Laser Vision means being awake during the procedure, but experiencing minimal to no discomfort. Our priority is to ensure your comfort and safety throughout the entire process, from consultation to post-operative care. If you're considering LASIK to improve your vision and enhance your quality of life, we invite you to schedule a consultation with our experienced LASIK surgeon. At Restivo Laser Vision, we're dedicated to helping you achieve clear vision and a brighter future.