Is LASIK painful? 

One of the most common concerns for people considering LASIK surgery is whether or not it hurts. The short answer? No, LASIK is not generally regarded as painful. Thanks to advanced techniques, local anesthetics, and mild sedatives, most patients experience little to no discomfort during or after the procedure.

Understanding pain and eye surgery

Pain during surgery is typically related to inadequate anesthesia. While some types of eye surgery may require general anesthesia or deeper sedation, LASIK is unique because it only requires local anesthesia in the form of numbing eye drops, making the procedure minimally invasive with excellent pain control.

How LASIK manages discomfort

Before the procedure begins, your eyes are numbed using special drops. These are highly effective because LASIK involves minimal tissue manipulation, making topical anesthesia sufficient for pain control.

Your doctor may give you an oral sedative to help you relax. You’ll remain awake during the surgery to focus on a target light, which helps guide the laser treatment. This sedative reduces anxiety and enhances your overall comfort during the process.

Unlike more invasive surgeries, LASIK does not require general anesthesia. In fact, being awake and alert is important for proper laser alignment and optimal results.

What LASIK feels like during the procedure

While LASIK shouldn’t be painful, you might feel pressure when the corneal flap is created. A special device keeps your eyelids open to prevent blinking, and although this might feel a bit strange, it doesn’t hurt due to the numbing drops. The actual laser portion is quick and painless, though some patients report being unnerved by the sound of the laser. The oral sedative typically helps ease this concern.

Does LASIK hurt afterward?

Once the procedure is complete, you may experience mild discomfort for a few hours, including sensations like burning, stinging, or light sensitivity. Most patients take pain medication and sleep during this initial period. Severe pain is not normal—if you experience this, contact your doctor immediately.

Here are a few of the most common post-surgery side effects:

• Light sensitivity
• Dryness
• Mild burning or stinging
• Halos or glare at night

These effects are usually short-lived and manageable with prescribed eye drops and rest.

When to contact your doctor

While discomfort is normal in the hours following surgery, severe or prolonged pain could indicate a complication. If you experience significant pain, vision loss, or other unexpected symptoms, seek medical attention promptly.

While laser eye surgery sounds intimidating to many people, LASIK is a well-established, highly refined procedure that typically takes just 10 minutes per eye. With proper anesthesia, relaxation aids, and post-operative care, most patients experience little to no pain and are thrilled with the clarity of their new vision. LASIK continues to be a popular and effective solution for correcting refractive vision problems with minimal discomfort and a quick recovery.