No, LASIK is generally not considered painful, thanks to numbing eye drops.
While you won't experience pain during the LASIK procedure, you might feel some pressure or mild discomfort. Here's a breakdown:
-
Before the Procedure: Numbing eye drops are administered, which completely numb the eye.
-
During the Procedure:
- Flap Creation: You may feel pressure when the microkeratome or femtosecond laser creates the corneal flap. However, this shouldn't be painful due to the numbing drops.
- Laser Treatment: The excimer laser reshaping the cornea is typically not painful. Some patients find the sound of the laser slightly unnerving, but a mild sedative can help ease any anxiety. According to Kraff Eye Institute, an oral sedative can alleviate anxiety related to the laser's sound.
-
After the Procedure: It's common to experience some temporary discomfort, such as:
- Grittiness: A sensation like having something in your eye.
- Burning: A mild burning sensation.
- Watering: Excessive tearing.
- Light Sensitivity: Increased sensitivity to light.
These symptoms are usually mild and can be managed with lubricating eye drops and pain medication prescribed by your doctor. These post-operative sensations are typically short-lived, resolving within the first day or two after surgery.
In summary, the LASIK procedure itself is not painful, although some pressure might be felt. Post-operative discomfort is common but manageable and temporary.
