Does LASIK Eye Surgery Hurt?

Many people considering LASIK are concerned about whether the procedure is painful. The good news is that LASIK is typically pain-free. Before surgery begins, numbing eye drops are applied to ensure you don’t feel pain. While you may sense some mild pressure—particularly when the corneal flap is created—most patients report no actual pain during the procedure. There are no needles involved, and the process usually takes just a few minutes per eye.

What to Expect During the Procedure

During the Lasik procedure, a device is used to gently keep your eyelids open, and you might feel slight pressure or brief discomfort. When the laser is applied to reshape the cornea, you may notice some pulsing sensations, but again, no pain. Once the laser work is complete, the corneal flap is repositioned, naturally sealing itself without the need for stitches.

Mild Discomfort After Surgery

After the surgery, it's common to experience mild discomfort for a few hours. This may feel like dryness, scratchiness, or a sensation similar to having an eyelash in your eye. These symptoms usually ease within three to four hours. Vision is often blurry at first, but it tends to improve significantly within 24 to 48 hours. By the next morning, most people report being pain-free and noticing clearer vision.

Managing Recovery Symptoms

In the days following LASIK, your eyes may feel dry or sensitive to light. Artificial tears and prescribed medicated drops help manage these symptoms and support healing. Over-the-counter pain relievers like Panadol or ibuprofen can also be used if needed. It’s important to rest your eyes, avoid screen use, and steer clear of rubbing your eyes or exposing them to irritants such as makeup, swimming pools, or bright lights during the early recovery period.

Long-Term Recovery and Visual Changes

Although many patients recover quickly, full visual stabilisation can take several weeks to a few months. Temporary side effects like halos, glare, or fluctuating vision may occur during this time but tend to resolve gradually. One of the most common short-term issues is dry eye, which is also temporary and typically improves as the nerves in the cornea regenerate.

Risks and Complications

Complications from LASIK are rare, but as with any surgical procedure, they are possible. These may include infection, prolonged dry eye, night vision issues, or flap-related problems. However, with today’s advanced bladeless technology and highly trained surgeons, LASIK remains one of the safest elective procedures, boasting satisfaction rates of over 95%.

Final Thoughts

In summary, LASIK eye surgery is not a painful procedure. Most patients experience only minor, short-term discomfort, and the benefits—clearer vision without glasses or contacts—are often noticed almost immediately. If you're concerned about pain, rest assured that LASIK is designed to be as comfortable as possible. If any unusual symptoms occur after surgery, it’s important to contact your specialist promptly.