Navigating LASIK Surgery: What You Need to Know About Pain
Undergoing LASIK Surgery: A Comprehensive Guide to Anticipated Pain and Preparation for Refractive Surgery
If you're considering LASIK surgery or have already scheduled an appointment, you've probably got some questions buzzing in your head. You've heard success stories of individuals receiving LASIK and waking up with 20/20 vision the following day. But does LASIK hurt?
Just How Much Does LASIK Hurt?
In general, LASIK isn't classed as "painful" by most individuals. However, you might have some temporary discomfort during certain parts of the procedure. Optometrist Jason Marcellus, OD stresses the importance of clear communication with your refractive surgery team about what to expect before, during, and after LASIK, to ensure you're well-prepared.
What Does LASIK Feel Like?
During LASIK surgery itself, you should hardly feel any real pain. Your surgeon will apply numbing drops in your eyes, so you won't feel any actual pain during the procedure. Instead, you may sense a bit of pressure as the laser works on your cornea. Most individuals describe this feeling as similar to the sensation you get when inserting a contact lens.
You might also encounter a brief moment of suction. This occurs when the machine holds your eye in position. Although it might feel a little strange, it's certainly not painful.
Post-LASIK: Dealing with Pain
You might experience pain after your LASIK procedure, once the numbing drops lose their effectiveness. Usually, this discomfort subsides after an hour or two. It can present itself as a stinging or burning sensation that makes it hard to keep your eyes open, and they may water excessively.
Dr. Marcellus explains that this discomfort stems from the corneal flap created during LASIK. When you blink, it irritates the flap, making it feel like touching a hangnail. Fortunately, these feelings typically pass swiftly. If you decide to take a nap, you might even sleep through it!
LASIK Recovery: Is It Painful?
In the longer term, you may notice some discomfort like dry eyes or itchiness in the months after LASIK. However, it's unlikely that this will cause you significant pain. Some of the nerves in your eye get severed during LASIK, which keeps the central portion of your eye somewhat numb even after the numbing drops wear off.
Managing Post-LASIK Pain
You can minimize pain following LASIK by taking over-the-counter pain relievers, closing your eyes, wearing sunglasses, using artificial tears regularly, and avoiding rubbing your eyes. After LASIK, your eyes may be more sensitive to light, so dark sunglasses can help keep them comfortable. Artificial tears applied four times daily can combat dry eyes, and If your vision becomes hazier, this could indicate that you need more drops.
Avoid rubbing your eyes, as it can be painful during the healing process and may disturb the healing progress. Your surgeon may recommend sleeping with protective eyewear to prevent any accidental touching.
All in all, LASIK shouldn't be overly painful. If discomfort lasts more than a few hours after surgery, don't hesitate to contact your surgical team. Most people should attend a follow-up appointment within a day or two after surgery, so if you're experiencing ongoing pain, bring it up with your provider. By and large, the following day, you'll feel much better, and your vision should be significantly improved.
- Maintaining overall health and wellness, including eye health, is essential before considering LASIK surgery, as it affects the healing process.
- In the realm of medical conditions, mental health plays a crucial role in coping with the prospect of LASIK surgery and managing post-surgery pain.
- Besides fitness and exercise, skin care is another important aspect of maintaining good health, as dry eyes can be a post-LASIK symptom that requires regular use of artificial tears.
- As LASIK surgery involves working on medical-conditions such as vision correction, it is essential to stay updated on the latest news in science and medical-conditions to make informed decisions about the procedure.
