Is LASIK Painful?

LASIK eye surgery is a popular procedure that can correct visual issues such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. If you’ve been thinking about LASIK to improve your vision, you may wonder if the procedure is painful. This is a question we hear a lot, and the short answer is no. 

What to Expect Before LASIK Eye Surgery

While some people may experience pressure in the eyes during the procedure, laser eye surgery is generally painless. Anesthetic eye drops numb the eyes before the procedure. If anxious and apprehensive about surgery, the eye surgeon may prescribe a sedative to take before the LASIK procedure to help calm the nerves and keep the patient relaxed during the duration of the surgery.

Is LASIK Recovery Painful?


Some minor discomfort can be expected. It may feel like something is in the eye with slight itching or burning. During recovery, patients may experience sensitivity to light. When outdoors, wear sunglasses to protect the eyes and reduce light sensitivity. Another common issue is dry eye. Keep a bottle of liquid tears on hand to provide relief. And last, avoid rubbing the eyes or any activity that may cause something to come into contact with the eyes. 

Overall, pain and discomfort after LASIK eye surgery are minimal. To avoid strain on the eyes, it’s important for patients to avoid activities that can cause eye pain, such as exercising, reading, using computer or smart phone use, or watching television. The best thing patients can do during the first 24 hours after LASIK surgery is rest. 

Restivo Laser Vision Center

WE WOULD LOVE

TO SEE YOU