LASIK Comfort & Safety · Cedar Park & Austin, TX
Is LASIK Painful?
Most patients are surprised by how comfortable LASIK is. Numbing drops eliminate pain, and the entire procedure takes under 15 minutes.
Before the Procedure
Preparing for LASIK
While some patients feel mild pressure in the eyes during the procedure, laser eye surgery is generally painless. Anesthetic (numbing) eye drops are applied to both eyes before LASIK begins, working quickly to eliminate pain. If you feel anxious about surgery, your surgeon may prescribe a sedative to take beforehand to calm your nerves and keep you relaxed throughout the procedure.
The most common pre-surgery feeling is anxiety rather than physical discomfort. Our team takes time to walk you through every step before you enter the laser suite, so there are no surprises.
During the Procedure
What You'll Feel During LASIK
The entire LASIK procedure takes under 15 minutes for both eyes. Here's what you'll actually experience:
Pressure (not pain) from the suction ring
A ring holds your eye in position during flap creation. You'll feel firm pressure for about 20–30 seconds. This temporarily dims your vision — which is normal and expected.
A brief odor during laser treatment
You may notice a faint smell during the excimer laser step — this is simply vaporized corneal tissue. It's not harmful and lasts only seconds.
No sharp pain at any point
Because of the numbing drops, you feel no cutting or laser sensation. The most intense sensation is the initial suction ring pressure.
After the Procedure
Post-LASIK Comfort
Once the numbing drops wear off (usually 2–4 hours post-procedure), you may experience:
- Mild burning or stinging — described by most patients as similar to cutting onions
- Tearing and watery eyes
- Light sensitivity and some blurring
- A feeling that something is in the eye (foreign body sensation)
Overall, pain and discomfort after LASIK eye surgery are minimal. To avoid strain on the eyes, avoid activities such as exercising, reading, computer or smartphone use, and watching television. The best thing you can do during the first 24 hours after surgery is rest. Wear sunglasses outdoors to reduce light sensitivity, and keep artificial tears on hand to relieve dryness.
Patient Experience
What Our Patients Say
of LASIK patients report little to no pain during the procedure
total procedure time for both eyes — less time than a dental cleaning
to dramatically improved vision for most patients
Talk to Our Team About Your Concerns
No question is too small. Our surgeons welcome every concern and will ensure you feel fully prepared before your procedure.