Does LASIK Eye Surgery Hurt?
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The idea of someone fiddling around with your eyes is enough to make anyone feel nervous. We get it. A common question patients ask us about LASIK eye surgery is, 'Will it hurt?' And we're happy to tell you it won't!
LASIK surgery is one of the most popular forms of laser vision correction and a very effective way to fix vision problems like short-sightedness, long-sightedness, and astigmatism.
As Auckland’s trusted laser eye surgery clinic, we’ve walked countless Kiwis through this refractive surgery process. And funnily enough, they all say the same thing: it’s quicker and more comfortable than they imagined!
In this article, we break down every step of undergoing LASIK laser eye surgery, and more importantly, what it feels like.
The LASIK Consultation
Before anything else, you’ll need a consultation. This is completely pain-free and, honestly, pretty straightforward. Your eye doctor will determine if you’re a suitable candidate for LASIK. They'll do this by doing a series of tests. These tests measure things like your cornea thickness, eye health, and prescription stability.
This is also the perfect time to ask all your questions. Got concerns about recovery? Not sure if the procedure is right for you? Chat with your eye surgeon! They’re there to help, make sure you understand everything, and know exactly what to expect.
The LASIK Surgery
Here’s what the LASIK eye surgery process feels like, every step of the way:
Step 1: Numbing Your Eyes
The first step is simple. Your eye surgeon will begin by putting anaesthetic eye drops in your eyes. They work almost straight away, and you won’t feel a thing. No needles, no injections. Just some drops. You might feel a cool sensation, but that’s about it!
Step 2: The Creation of the Flap
Next, your eye surgeon will make a small corneal flap using an extremely precise femtosecond laser. It sounds intense, but you won’t feel pain. If anything, you may feel a little pressure on your eye, but nothing uncomfortable. Plus, this part is over in a matter of seconds (typically 30-40 seconds).
Step 3: Reshaping the Cornea
Now the real magic happens! Once your laser eye surgeon creates the corneal flap, they'll use another super awesome laser called the excimer laser to reshape your corneal tissue and correct your vision. During this step, you’ll see a blinking light and hear some soft clicking noises from the laser. It’s not painful at all and takes only a few seconds per eye (typically 5-10 seconds)..
Step 4: Closing the Flap
The last step of the LASIK procedure involves closing the corneal flap. No stitches needed! The flap naturally seals itself. Some people say it feels like a gentle tickle or a bit of mild irritation. But it’s over so quickly that you probably won’t even have time to think about it.
Immediately After LASIK
Right after your LASIK surgery, your eyes might feel a little scratchy or dry. At worst, it's comparable to having a pesky eyelash stuck in there. Your vision will be blurry at first, but don’t panic. Most people notice a big improvement within a few hours.
Your eye surgeon will send you home with some special medicated eye drops. These will help keep your eyes hydrated and prevent infection. Your surgeon will also give you clear instructions for your recovery period, so you’ll know exactly what to do next.
The Recovery Period
LASIK laser eye surgery recovery is quick, and most people feel comfortable in no time.
The First 24 Hours
In the first 24 hours following your laser eye surgery, your eyes might be a bit watery or feel sensitive to light. It’s nothing unbearable; more of a mild annoyance. During this time, you must avoid screens and bright lights. Just let your eyes rest.
The Days After LASIK
By day two or three, you’ll feel much better! Most of the irritation will be gone, and your vision will keep improving. Don't stress if you have a few ups and downs with clarity as your eyes heal. It's normal and settles quickly.
Trust the process, stick to the aftercare plan, and don’t bail on any of your follow-up appointments. These are key to making sure everything is healing properly.
LASIK Laser Eye Surgery in Auckland
The bottom line? LASIK doesn't hurt. You might feel a bit of pressure here or mild irritation there, but the whole process is designed to be as comfortable as possible.
At Re:vision, our team goes above and beyond to make sure you feel confident and at ease throughout your laser surgery journey. Our expert team uses advanced technology to give you life-changing results with minimal fuss.
If you’re ready to ditch the glasses or contact lenses, book a consultation with us today! Clear vision is closer than you think, and we’re here to help you every step of the way.
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