Is Lasik Painful? - How much does Laser Eye Surgery Hurt

LASIK (laser in-situ keratomileusis), or laser eye surgery, is a popular and highly advanced surgical technique used in vision problem correction. In this surgery, the eye surgeon reshapes the cornea with the help of a laser. It usually takes less than 30 minutes to perform a LASIK eye surgery.

Through LASIK surgery, the following vision problems are corrected:

1. Myopia (nearsightedness)
2. Hypermetropia (farsightedness)
3. Astigmatism

It is a common thought in the patient's mind undergoing LASIK surgery. LASIK surgery is generally not painful. This is because the surgery is performed under the effect of anaesthesia. However, the pain level during a LASIK surgery differs for everyone.

While some patients may experience pain, others may experience slight discomfort only. Several factors can affect the level of pain during LASIK surgery. These factors include:

1. The age of the patient
2. The overall health of the patient
3. Underlying medical conditions
4. Level of pain tolerance
5. Stress level
6. Lifestyle and occupation of the patient

People who are already aware that laser eye surgery is not painful might think that LASIK hurts after surgery. However, after completing a LASIK surgery, extreme pain is rare.

The reasons for experiencing pain after laser surgery may be due to the complications that may occur after the surgery. These potential complications of LASIK eye surgery that may cause pain include the following,

1. Worsening of the vision
2. Infection 
3. Under correction 
4. Overcorrection
5. Inflammation 
6. Corneal ectasia 
7. Corneal flap problems

Experiencing mild pain after laser surgery is very common for up to 24 hours, as at this point, the cornea starts healing and reforming. However, certain eye care tips are to be followed post-LASIK surgery to recover quickly and minimise strain on the eyes.

The following post-LASIK surgery dos and don’ts should be followed.

Dos after LASIK Surgery 

You must follow these things after a LASIK surgery to prevent pain and recover quickly. These include

1. Wearing the protective shield instructed by the doctor while sleeping after the laser surgery. 
2. Wearing glasses when stepping out to protect the eyes from dust, smoke, and sunlight.
3. Taking over-the-counter or prescribed pain relievers as prescribed by the eye doctor.
4. Putting moisturiser or prescription eye drops as instructed by the doctor to prevent dry eyes.
5. Taking adequate rest.
6. Booking appointments with the doctor for checkups six months after the laser surgery.

Don'ts after LASIK Surgery

There are certain things that you are to avoid post-LASIK surgery as it they irritate the eyes, cause pain and interfere with the recovery of the eye. The things that you should avoid include the following. 

1. Using the old contact lenses.
2. Rub your eyes to see clearly. 
3. Use creams, lotions, makeup, or anything that may irritate the eyes unless the doctor instructs you to use it. 
4. Swimming for about two months
5. Drive during the night for a month after the laser surgery. 

Upon experiencing severe pain after laser surgery, it is important to inform the doctor and seek medical attention immediately.

Although the procedure of LASIK is extremely safe, it is important to acknowledge and consult a doctor immediately upon experiencing the following symptoms or complications post-LASIK surgery

1. Sore eyes
2. Eye dryness
3. Burning 
4. Sensitivity to light 
5. Blurred vision
6. Itching and discomfort
7. A feeling that something is present in the eye 
8. Redness or pinkish-coloured spots on the whites of your eyes
9. Halos around lights

LASIK surgery is a safe and effective treatment. However, LASIK cannot be performed for every eye patient. Some of the patients who cannot undergo LASIK surgery include:

1. Pregnant women 
2. Breastfeeding women 
3. Children below the age of 18
4. People who have glaucoma 
5. People having dry eyes 
6. People with an uneven or thin cornea 
7. People having conditions like diabetes

LASIK, or Laser surgery, is an advanced surgical technique that helps correct vision problems. While laser surgery is widely used and is highly safe, many people doubt if LASIK is painful. But there is nothing to worry about as this process is painless as the patient may experience only mild to moderate pain that is easily manageable by medicines that the doctor prescribes.

If you or your loved one is about to undergo the LASIK procedure and are thinking, how painful is LASIK? Highly skilled doctors and technicians at HexaHealth are here to provide the best treatments for eye problems, including vision correction. Our doctors provide highly affordable patient-centric services. So contact a HexaHealth expert TODAY!