Does LASIK Hurt?

LASIK, or laser eye surgery, is a refractive surgery to correct near or farsightedness and astigmatism. A licensed and trained ophthalmologist performs the procedure. Laser eye surgery is popular and can improve vision, so people no longer deal with glasses or contact lenses. During the procedure, the eye surgeon uses a specialized laser and reshapes the cornea of the eye. Many people considering LASIK eye surgery often wonder, “How painful is LASIK?” Fortunately, LASIK is generally not painful, but it does carry some risks. Below, you can find out what to expect before and after LASIK. 

What You Can Expect Before LASIK Eye Surgery

Once evaluated and determined if you make a good candidate for the procedure, you can plan a time for LASIK. And although patients arrive fully prepped about the procedure, the question of "Is Lasik Painful?” lingers. LASIK eye surgery takes about 30 minutes, and your provider will make sure you are comfortably reclined and may provide medication to help relax. Before the procedure, the eyes are numbed with numbing drops, and an eye speculum is used to keep the eyelids open. From here, you may feel pressure as your eye surgeon places a suction ring on the eye and cuts a small flap of the corneal tissue and reshapes the cornea. When complete, the flap is closed. 

What You Can Expect After LASIK Eye Surgery

Is LASIK painful after? Some discomfort is normal following treatment. Your Austin eye surgeon may prescribe an oral pain medication, and if given a sedative prior to treatment, you may feel sleepy and sleep through any discomfort. The most common effects afterwards include itchy, watery eyes and a slight burning and gritty sensation, and most discomfort subsides within a few hours after the procedure. 

Is LASIK Painful?

LASIK is one of the most common eye surgeries and is a popular option for those with myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. The procedure can eliminate the need for glasses or contacts and cause little to no discomfort. If you’re still on the fence and wonder, “Is LASIK eye surgery painful?”, we invite you to visit our office in Cedar Park near Austin for a complimentary LASIK consultation. Our top Austin LASIK specialists can answer your questions and concerns and help you determine if LASIK eye surgery is the right choice for you. To schedule, get in touch with our office online.