Laser eye surgery, particularly LASIK and other refractive surgeries, has revolutionised the way people correct vision problems like shortsightedness, longsightedness, and astigmatism. Understanding what to expect during the procedure and the recovery process can help ease any concerns. In this blog, we’ll explain the pain levels associated with laser eye surgery, what you can expect during the procedure, and how Vision Care Clinic in Bristol ensures your comfort throughout.

What Happens During Laser Eye Surgery?

Laser eye surgery involves using a specialised laser to reshape the cornea (the clear, dome-shaped surface at the front of the eye). The goal is to improve how light enters the eye, thus enhancing your vision. The most common forms of laser eye surgery are LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) and PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy).   However, the latest proven technique, called lenticle extraction, also known as SMILE, is similar to a keyhole technique and is also available at Vision Care Clinic.

Before the surgery begins, you’ll be given numbing eye drops to ensure that you don’t feel any pain during the procedure. These drops numb the surface of your eye, so you won’t feel discomfort while the laser is being used. During the surgery, the area around your eye will be clean, and you’ll be asked to focus on a small light to keep your eyes still.  Patients may feel the doctors hands on their forehead and fluid around the eye.

Is Laser Eye Surgery Painful?

The good news is that patients do not experience pain during the laser eye procedure. Since numbing drops are applied to the eye, you should not feel any pain or significant discomfort while the laser is reshaping the cornea. Some patients may experience mild pressure on the eye, but this is not painful.

The sensation of pressure might occur when the surgeon places an instrument to hold the eyelid open or when lifting or replacing the corneal flap (in LASIK surgery). However, this pressure is not described as painful and typically only lasts for a few seconds.

Many patients report feeling anxious or nervous before the procedure, which really is quite normal and the team will do everything they can to care or and reassure each patient.  The majority of patients find the actual experience of surgery to be less uncomfortable than anticipated. The entire surgery typically lasts around 15-20 minutes per eye, making it a quick and relatively painless procedure overall.

What About After the Surgery?

While the procedure itself is pain-free, the immediate recovery period can be a bit more uncomfortable. For those patient having LASIK or lenticle extraction procedures, they may experience mild irritation, watery eyes or a light sensitivity in the eyes once the numbing drops wear off. These sensations are normal and usually subside within a few hours.

For those patients who have any type of surface laser eye treatment including PRK, once the anaesthetic drops wear off, it is common to experience discomfort, like a gritty foreign body sensation, stinging and light sensitivity.  These symptoms are helped by applying a bandaged contact lens, that work like a plaster after treatment and with prescribed eye drops, which help reduce inflammation and keep your eyes lubricated during recovery.

An individual’s return to normal activities depends on the type of laser treatment performed, with LASIK and lenticular extraction patients typically seeing at least driving standard vision next day.  However, it is advised to avoid strenuous activities, swimming or rubbing your eyes for a few days.

Get in Touch for Your Laser Eye Surgery Today

If you’re considering laser eye surgery and would like to know more, the experienced team at Vision Care Clinic in Bristol is here to guide you through the process. Call us today on 0117 905 7722 to book your comprehensive consultation.