“Does laser eye surgery hurt,” is one of the common questions we get during LASIK and ASA consultations. We get it! Most people have never had eye surgery before, and the idea can be a little uncomfortable. We’ll walk you through each step of the surgery and fill you in on what LASIK and ASA feel like and whether or not laser eye surgery is painful.
Do LASIK and ASA Hurt?
Laser eye surgery does not hurt for most people. It can feel uncomfortable, though.
LASIK and ASA are laser vision correction surgeries that we perform as an outpatient procedure. That means you will come in, your doctor will perform LASIK or ASA in only a few minutes, and you will leave immediately after.
Before we begin your surgery, we will give you numbing eye drops that will help the procedure be as painless as possible. You should not feel any pain throughout the surgery, and if you do, then let your doctor know. Once your doctor gives you the anesthetic eye drops, then they will begin the short surgery. After they complete your surgery, they will let you know what you need to do to reduce pain while healing.
What Do LASIK and ASA Feel Like?
The actual procedure does not hurt. You may feel pressure on your eye, but it will only last for a few minutes before we finish the surgery. It feels more like discomfort than pain for most patients.
The procedure only lasts for a few minutes, so if you do feel pressure during the surgery, then it will be over quickly.
Pain After LASIK or ASA
After you leave our surgery center, you should not feel any pain. Your eyes might feel uncomfortable or itchy, and your vision can be slightly blurry immediately after. These are normal sensations after laser eye surgery.
It is rare for a patient to feel pain during or after surgery. If you do feel pain for more than 24 hours after surgery, then call your eye surgeon and they will evaluate and treat your pain. This can be a sign of a more serious issue, so it is best to check with your doctor if your eyes are in pain. It is very rare for patients to have complications from LASIK or laser eye surgery.
You can treat your pain with over-the-counter pain medication as needed. We will prescribe eye drops that will keep your eyes hydrated to calm the itchiness and burning sensation. Your eyes should feel completely normal again in a few weeks. Your doctor will schedule follow-up appointments so they can monitor your healing progress.
New Technology Helps Reduce Pain
Over the years, LASIK and ASA surgery has improved and technology advances have sped up the procedures and reduced the pain patients feel. At Brimhall Eye, we use the most advanced technology and machines to ensure we are giving our patients the best experience possible.
If you are looking for an ophthalmologist or laser eye surgeon in the Las Vegas area, then give us a call! We would love to help you perfect your vision.
