Is laser eye surgery painful during the procedure itself? I’m particularly interested in hearing from people who’ve actually had it done. I understand numbing drops are used, but does that completely eliminate any sensation? Is there any pressure, discomfort, or anything else noticeable? I’m especially concerned about the fear of pain impacting my decision, so detailed descriptions of the sensory experience would be very helpful. Also, are there differences in pain levels depending on the type of laser eye surgery (LASIK, PRK, SMILE)?

Answer

No, laser eye surgery is generally not painful during the procedure. This is because numbing eye drops are applied to the eye before the surgery to completely anesthetize it. Patients may feel some pressure or a brief sensation during the procedure, but it should not be painful.

Further Details:

• Numbing Eye Drops: The primary method of pain control is the use of topical anesthetic eye drops. These drops effectively numb the surface of the eye, including the cornea and conjunctiva. The surgeon will typically administer several rounds of these drops before starting the procedure to ensure adequate numbness.
• Pressure Sensation: While there shouldn’t be sharp pain, some patients report feeling a pressure sensation during certain steps of the surgery. This can occur when the corneal flap is created (in LASIK) or during the laser ablation process. The pressure is usually described as mild and short-lived.
• Nervousness and Anxiety: Some individuals experience anxiety or nervousness leading up to the surgery, which can sometimes be misinterpreted as physical pain. The surgical team is trained to help patients relax and feel comfortable throughout the process. Some clinics may offer a mild oral sedative to help ease anxiety.
• Procedure Speed: The laser ablation portion of the surgery is very quick, often lasting only seconds per eye. This minimizes the duration of any potential discomfort.
• Patient Feedback: Studies and patient surveys consistently report that laser eye surgery is generally well-tolerated with minimal to no pain during the procedure.

Post-Operative Discomfort:

While the procedure itself is not painful, some discomfort is common during the immediate post-operative period. This can include:

• Grittiness or Foreign Body Sensation: Many patients experience a feeling like there’s something in their eye after the surgery. This is often due to the healing process and usually subsides within a few hours.
• Burning or Stinging: A mild burning or stinging sensation is also common in the hours following surgery.
• Light Sensitivity: Increased sensitivity to light (photophobia) is frequently experienced and can be managed with sunglasses.
• Watering or Tearing: Excessive tearing is a typical response as the eye heals.
• Dry Eye: Dry eye is a common side effect after laser eye surgery, and can cause a scratchy or uncomfortable sensation. Artificial tears are typically prescribed to alleviate this.

Pain medication is usually not required for post-operative discomfort. Artificial tears and, in some cases, mild pain relievers are sufficient to manage any discomfort.